La Trinidad police in Benguet province successfully recovered more than P2.8 million worth of dried cannabis from an abandoned Mitsubishi Pajero sport utility vehicle in Barangay Puguis early Sunday morning, June 7, 2026.The discovery happened during a routine patrol when officers spotted the deserted SUV at Sitio Buhao.Inside the vehicle, authorities found two sacks containing 24 tubular pieces of suspected dried marijuana leaves weighing approximately 23.4 kilograms.The estimated street value of the seized illegal drugs reached P2.808 million.La Trinidad police chief Lt.Col.

Zacarias Caloy Dausen highlighted that the operation demonstrates the importance of increased police presence and active community involvement in the ongoing fight against illegal drugs.He assured that investigations are underway to identify the owner or individuals who abandoned the vehicle.This incident adds to the continuous efforts by law enforcement agencies in the Cordillera region to curb the distribution of prohibited substances.No arrests have been made yet as the focus remains on tracing the source and those responsible for transporting the cannabis.The successful recovery without any confrontation shows effective policing strategies in remote areas.Local residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help maintain peace and order in the community.This case serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by the illegal drug trade even in provincial areas like Benguet.