BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered strict monitoring of the safety of students in every school against illegal drugs, after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed the sale of marijuana-laced vape products inside several educational institutions in Baguio City.
During a meeting of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CPOC-CADAC) chaired by Magalong, PDEA officials reported that two vape devices and a lighter voluntarily surrender by a school were subjected to laboratory testing.
Results from the PDEA-Cordillera laboratory showed that both vape devices tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, confirming concerns about the presence of drug-laced vape products in school environments.
The discovery is said to have prompted authorities to strengthen coordinated enforcement efforts involving PDEA, local police units, school administrators, barangay officials, and other stakeholders to prevent the spread of illegal drugs among students and protect educational institutions from drug-related activities.
According to PDEA, vape cartridges containing marijuana derivatives were being sold for P2,500 each inside the school.
Investigators also observed the illegal sale of dried marijuana and kush, underscoring the need for continued anti-drug operations targeting both physical and online distribution channels.
Students who cooperated with authorities provided leads that enabled investigators to trace suspected suppliers and delivery methods.
According to PDEA, some individuals reportedly used courier services and online platforms to obtain vape cartridges and dried marijuana before distributing them at designated drop-off points and meeting locations.
Authorities are now conducting further investigations to identify suppliers and dismantle networks responsible for bringing illegal substances into schools.
In response, PDEA immediately launched a series of interventions, including prevention education campaigns and community engagement activities within the affected schools.
