News:2025-07-08/Trafficking/police-arrest-three-seize-2m-in-cannabis-products-including-vape-cartridges-and-kush-in-mabalacat-buy-bust-pam

Philippines·Pampanga·Malabacat·Bical

Police arrest three, seize ₱2M in cannabis products including vape cartridges and kush in Mabalacat buy-bust, Pampanga

Operatives of the Mabalacat City Police Station, under the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, arrested three men aged 24, 25, and 28 in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bical, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on 8 July 2025. The suspects were classified as high-value individuals. Police recovered two kilograms of dried cannabis leaves valued at ₱240,000; 520 grams of suspected kush valued at ₱858,000; 218 cannabis-flavoured vape cartridges valued at ₱872,000; and 19 pieces of cannabis oil valued at ₱30,000, for a combined reported value of approximately ₱2 million at standard drug price. Pampanga PPO Director PCOL Eugene Marcelo characterised the seizure as evidence of a shift in the local market toward processed and high-end cannabis products marketed to younger consumers, distinct from the traditional dried-leaf trade. Police Regional Office 3 Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. credited the operation as part of a province-wide crackdown on illegal drugs. The suspects face charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.