MANILA – A three-day operation by the joint operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has resulted in the destruction of PHP49.6-million worth of marijuana plants in Tinglayan, Kalinga province last week, a PNP official reported on Sunday.
PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) director, Brig. Gen. Ignatius Ferro, said the eradication operation was covered by Oplan Green Pearl Charlie in order to clear drug-affected barangays in Tinglayan particularly in Barangay Loccong.
Ferro said 240,500 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants from a total land area of 14,200 square meters with a total value of PHP49.6 million were destroyed during the operation from June 27 to 29.
He said that while there was no cultivator arrested during the three-day operation, government troops are continuously monitoring the area and will not allow the illegal activity of growing the prohibited plant.
The PNP-DEG chief said the operation served as warning to the cultivators to stop their illegal activities.
He said it also reminds the Barangay Anti- Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) of Barangay Loccong to do their respective duties and functions and further enhance their anti-illegal drug campaign in support to PNP and PDEA.
He also reminded individuals that cultivation of marijuana is prohibited under Sec.16 Article II of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)