An 18-year-old Grade 11 student will face charges after authorities seized about ₱60,000 worth of suspected high-grade marijuana, or “kush,” during a search inside a public school in Barangay Addition Hills, police said Thursday.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the incident stemmed from a classroom search initiated by a teacher on July 1 following reports of a missing cellphone and cash.

During the search, the student attempted to flee the school premises but was stopped by a security guard. He later surrendered an eco-bag containing several sachets of suspected kush and drug paraphernalia, according to police.

Authorities also flagged a second student, a 17-year-old classified as a child in conflict with the law, who allegedly tried to block the inspection of his bag. A subsequent search yielded a canister containing additional sachets of the illegal substance.

Police said a total of 33 sachets of suspected kush weighing about 40 grams were recovered.

The 18-year-old suspect is now in police custody and undergoing drug testing at a forensic unit. He will undergo inquest proceedings and face appropriate charges under the law.

The minor, meanwhile, was taken into protective custody and referred to a Bahay Pag-asa youth center, where social workers and guardians will oversee his care.

NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony A. Aberin commended school personnel for their vigilance, saying their actions helped prevent the spread of illegal drugs on campus.

“Our schools must never become havens for illegal drugs,” Aberin said. “This incident highlights the critical importance of vigilance among our teachers and security personnel in shielding our youth from the dangers of narcotics.”

Police said they will continue coordinating with schools and local authorities to maintain drug-free learning environments.