An 18-year-old senior high school student was arrested, while a 17-year-old classmate was placed under protective custody after school authorities discovered around P60,000 worth of suspected high-grade marijuana, locally known as "kush," during a classroom search at a public school in Mandaluyong City.

According to police, the incident unfolded at a public school in Barangay Addition Hills after a teacher searched students' belongings following reports of a missing cellphone and cash.

Investigators said the 18-year-old Grade 11 student allegedly attempted to flee the school when confronted but was stopped by a security guard.

A subsequent inspection of his belongings led to the recovery of an eco-bag containing several sachets of suspected kush and drug paraphernalia, police said.

Authorities added that a 17-year-old student, classified as a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL), allegedly tried to prevent school personnel from searching his bag.

When the bag was opened, responders recovered a canister containing more sachets of the suspected illegal drug.

Police said a total of 33 sachets of suspected high-grade marijuana, weighing about 40 grams and with an estimated street value of ₱60,000, were seized during the operation.

The 18-year-old student was taken into police custody and brought to the Eastern Police District Forensic Unit for drug testing.

He is expected to undergo inquest proceedings for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, the 17-year-old was turned over to the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center for protective custody in accordance with juvenile justice procedures, with social workers and his guardians overseeing his welfare.

Police have yet to determine the source of the suspected marijuana and whether the seized drugs were intended for distribution inside or outside the school. The investigation is ongoing.