P100-M worth of marijuana seized in Benguet

Government agents uprooted and destroyed over P100 million worth of marijuana leaves, plants and seedlings in Benguet recently as part of the government’s effort to eradicate narcotic drugs.

"This operation is very significant because I think this is the first time that they have eradicated this huge volume of marijuana plants in the recent years," said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao.

Lomibao commended operatives of the PNP’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the 1604th Provincial Mobile Group under Coplan Greengrass.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes gave away cash prize to the raiders as incentive for their successful operation in Sitio Soukan, Barangay Lam-ayan, Buguias, Benguet.

Senior Superintendent Erasto Sanchez said the two-hectare plantation was reportedly being cultivated and maintained by rebels and was in fact their source of livelihood.

Aside from marijuana plants, Sanchez added that 30 kilos of dried marijuana fruiting tops were also seized.

"We would like to assure the public that your PNP and other law enforcement agencies are unrelenting in this campaign," Reyes added.

The PNP, PDEA and other law enforcement agencies of the government have intensified the campaign on illegal drugs as part of the 12-point anti-drug program of President Arroyo.