Teen student arrested in Leon marijuana buy-bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police arrested a 17-year-old Alternative Learning System student in a buy-bust operation shortly before midnight Wednesday, July 15, in Leon, Iloilo.

Authorities withheld the teenager’s identity because he is a minor.

Members of the Leon Municipal Police Station arrested the student along R. Tabiana Street after he allegedly sold PHP 600 worth of dried marijuana leaves to an undercover officer.

Police said a subsequent search yielded two large plastic packs containing dried marijuana leaves, a glass smoking pipe, and several nondrug items.

Police Lt. Cosmeflor Marco Jr., chief of the Leon Municipal Police Station, said the seized marijuana weighed about 15 grams.

Police reports said the teenager’s alleged customers included local residents and tricycle drivers.

Marco said the student allegedly obtained his marijuana from an online seller.

The orders were typically left at a designated drop-off point in Iloilo City, he said.

Police said the student paid the supplier through an electronic wallet.

The teenager was placed in the custody of the Leon Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for the proper disposition of his case.

Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, requires authorities and the media to protect the identity and confidentiality of children accused of offenses.

Under the law, children older than 15 but younger than 18 may face proceedings if authorities determine that they acted with discernment, although child-appropriate intervention, diversion, and rehabilitation procedures may apply.