An 18-year-old senior high school student was arrested and a 17-year-old classmate was placed under protective custody after school officials discovered about P60,000 worth of suspected high-grade marijuana during a classroom search.

The incident unfolded Thursday at a public high school in Barangay Addition Hills. Police said a teacher was inspecting students’ belongings following reports of a missing cellphone and stolen cash when the illegal drugs were discovered.

Investigators said the 18-year-old Grade 11 student tried to flee the campus when confronted, but a school security guard intercepted him.

A search of his belongings uncovered an eco-bag containing several sachets of suspected “kush,” a potent strain of marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia.

Authorities said the 17-year-old student, classified under local law as a child in conflict with the law, attempted to prevent school staff from inspecting his backpack.