BCPO Tracks Down ‘Marijuana’ Syrup

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has uncovered a new method of distributing illegal drugs involving marijuana syrup, or liquid marijuana, which can be consumed through vape devices.

Police Lt. Col. Antonio Benitez Jr., chief of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), raised the alarm after encountering the substance for the first time, confirming that this new drug form has reached the city.

CDEU operatives recently seized an estimated PHP1,279,500 worth of suspected marijuana and liquid marijuana in two separate anti-drug operations in Bacolod City and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

The largest haul included six bricks of suspected marijuana and 23 cartridges of liquid marijuana valued at PHP823,500, confiscated during a follow-up operation in Barangay 3 Poblacion, La Carlota City, on Tuesday afternoon.

Benitez said one of the three suspects arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City, on Monday night led police to the La Carlota stash.

A relative of alias “Mik-Mik,” 24, the target of the Bacolod operation, voluntarily turned over the contraband, including the liquid marijuana, which was packaged in colorful, sealed wrappers.

Benitez said they coordinated with La Carlota police, barangay officials and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) before proceeding to Mik-Mik’s house for the follow-up operation.

Earlier, CDEU operatives seized 3,800 grams of suspected dried marijuana worth PHP456,000 and 10 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP68,000 from three suspects in Bacolod.

The two other suspects were “French,” 25, a therapist from Barangay Banago, and “Ryan,” 25, a college student from Barangay Sum-ag.

Benitez said the operation was based on tips about the suspects’ involvement in illegal drug activity.

“It is very fortunate that we were able to confiscate these items before they were distributed,” he said.

Authorities believe the marijuana products were sourced from Luzon and delivered via courier.

Benitez said the marijuana was processed as a syrup, intended for ingestion or vaping.

He confirmed that the liquid marijuana was in usable form and could be consumed through vape devices.

Benitez stressed the need for an information campaign to warn vape users, especially the youth, about the risks of liquid marijuana.

The BCPO said the successful operations marked another milestone in their anti-drug campaign, following a PHP32.9 million drug bust last week.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, praised CDEU operatives for their work and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to eradicating drug activity in the city.

Meanwhile, in Victorias City, two fishermen were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 6A on Monday for allegedly possessing 20 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP136,000.

In San Carlos City, a 15-year-old boy was arrested on Sunday after allegedly being caught with a stolen motorcycle in Barangay 1.

The 26-year-old owner of the motorcycle reported the theft to police, leading to the arrest.

Police recovered the motorcycle and, during a body search, found a sachet of suspected shabu in the suspect’s pocket.

When officers checked the motorcycle’s utility box, they discovered three more sachets of suspected shabu, 24 empty plastic sachets and aluminum foil.

The seized drugs weighed 18.37 grams and were valued at PHP124,916.

The minor was brought to the San Carlos City Police Station and referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk for appropriate handling.