Police arrested a 43-year-old massage therapist after recovering a fully grown marijuana plant and two seedlings during the implementation of a search warrant in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Authorities identified the suspect as Faustino Balawag Ekko Jr., a resident of Ashawan, Km. 4, Pico, La Trinidad.

The operation was conducted on the morning of 5 July at the suspect's residence by the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station, with assistance from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Benguet Police Provincial Office, the Provincial Intelligence Team-Benguet of the Regional Intelligence Unit 14, the Special Operations Unit-Cordillera Region, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera.

Seized during the operation were one fully grown marijuana plant in a flower pot and two marijuana seedlings, with a combined standard drug price of P440.

Police said the confiscated items were inventoried before being turned over for proper disposition. The suspect was taken into custody, while criminal charges are being prepared against him.