Authorities destroy marijuana plantation in South Cotabato

Anti-narcotics agents set ablaze part of the marijuana plantation they discovered in an upland village of Tampakan, South Cotabato. (Photo from PDEA-12)

KORONADAL CITY — Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Soccsksargen region uprooted on Tuesday thousands of marijuana plants in a remote village of Tampakan town, South Cotabato.

The plantation was found in the upland village of Tablu, according to a PDEA report.

A total of 21,000 marijuana plants were planted in the rolling valleys of Tablu that were well camouflaged.

PDEA estimated the value of the haul at P4.2 million.

Anti-narcotics agents said the marijuana plantation was cultivated and owned by a certain Yatan Piang, who was not around during the operation.

The joint team of police, Army, and PDEA-12 agents burned part of the marijuana plants onsite while several plants were hauled to be used as evidence against the suspect, who remained at large.

The discovery of the marijuana plantation resulted from strengthened anti-narcotic operations in the region.

Charges were being readied against Piang, the PDEA said.

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