In a swift operation prompted by the distinctive aroma of smoke emanating from an unconventional cigarette, authorities uncovered a residence in Barangay Tanyag, Taguig City, believed to be a hub for repackaging marijuana and suspected shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride.

The Taguig City Police apprehended three individuals around 3:00 AM on December 12, identified only by the aliases Drew, 21 years old; Bryan, 24 years old; and Tim, 23 years old.

Seized from their possession were wrapped marijuana, shabu in a plastic sachet, and marijuana oil, estimated to be worth ₱349,300.00.

The capture unfolded as one individual managed to evade arrest by scaling to the fourth floor of the residence, alerting accomplices, and subsequently leaping from a window with a 20-foot drop.

According to Police Captain Nelvin Pacia, Substation 8 Commander, his team was on patrol when they detected the scent of marijuana smoke.

“We noticed the smell of someone smoking, which turned out to be marijuana. Then a chase ensued. The arrested individuals claimed that they repackaged the substances here in Tanyag for distribution. Allegedly, they ordered online and picked up the items downstairs, where they repacked,” Pacia shared.

Approximately 472.2 grams of dried marijuana leaves, valued at ₱51,264, were confiscated from the suspects. Additionally, five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing 14.9 grams of dried marijuana leaves (₱1,788) and three bricks of taped marijuana weighing 2,410.4 grams (₱289,248.00) were recovered.

The authorities also seized three boxes of vapes with marijuana oil cartridges priced at ₱7,000 each, 9.3 grams of shabu, and a digital weighing scale.

The suspects will face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. The Taguig City police successfully arrested three men caught with shabu and marijuana in Barangay Bagong Tanyag early Tuesday morning (December 12).

According to a report submitted to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspects were observed exhibiting unusual behavior during the patrol.

In addition to the confiscated marijuana, authorities also recovered three boxes of vapes with marijuana oil cartridges, each valued at ₱7,000, 9.3 grams of suspected shabu, and a digital weighing scale.

The suspects, now in custody at the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) custodial facility of the Taguig City Police, will face charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.