P40M marijuana destroyed in Cordillera

BAGUIO CITY — Authorities in the Cordillera region discovered more than P40.5 million worth of marijuana in Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mount Province.

The discovery included over 163,000 fully grown marijuana plants, seedlings, and dried leaves, all of which were burned by the police after documentation.

The Police Regional Office Cordillera (Procor) said follow-up operations were underway to identify possible marijuana cultivators.

In recent months, marijuana busts worth millions have also been made in the region.

Last month, more than P149 million worth of marijuana was seized by the police in Kalinga and Benguet; and in April, P6.8 million worth of marijuana was recovered by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Baguio.

Meanwhile, 17 other drug personalities were also arrested from Aug. 13 to 19 after being caught distributing “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P136,000. Eleven of those arrested were classified as high-value individuals.

All arrested suspects would face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Cordillera police have also been taking proactive measures to curb illegal drug use at the barangay level, in line with the Philippine National Police’s anti-drug campaigns.

“The police are continuously conducting barangay visitation and information operations regarding the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the PNP,” Brigadier General David Peredo Jr., Procor director, said in a statement.

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