Baguio cop arrested in P136M crystal meth bust

A police officer in Baguio City along with three others were arrested on Tuesday, March 25, during a buy-bust operation that led to the seizure of 20 kilograms of crystal meth valued at P136 million.

The suspects include Police Executive Master Sergeant Palmer Nankihid Moling and his associates Mary Ann Ty, Mark Leonard Laurente Teope, and Adriano Soriano. Authorities confiscated a 9mm pistol during the operation.

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed shock over the largest drug bust in the Cordillera region this year, noting that Moling was known for a lavish lifestyle and was under surveillance by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as a high-value target.

Col. Ruel Tagel of the Baguio City Police Office emphasized the commitment to maintaining public trust and ensuring those who violate the law are held accountable, with all four individuals facing charges under Republic Act 9165 for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The BCPO will not tolerate illegal activities within its ranks and is implementing regular measures such as Police Information and Continuing Education (PICE), random drug testing, and enforcing certification of non-involvement in illegal activities to uphold these standards.