Authorities torch P11-M marijuana in Benguet-Ilocos boundary

Marijuana plant / AP File Photo

BAGUIO CITY—More than P11-million worth of marijuana were destroyed in a two-day government operation that started on Sunday (Nov. 19) and ended on Monday (Nov. 20) along the disputed boundaries of Kibungan town in Benguet province and Sugpon town in Ilocos Sur province.

Policemen and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) burned fully grown marijuana plants seized from seven plantation sites at Mt. Baukok and Mt. Natiktikan, which were estimated to be worth P5.2 million.

Authorities also destroyed 50 kilograms of dried stalks and fruiting tops with an estimated value of P6.25 million.

No arrests were made, however.

The mountains are generally inaccessible and the semi-temperate weather there has been conducive to cannabis cultivation.

Kibungan and Sugpon are under the PDEA watchlist. /jpv