PDEA nabs marijuana cultivator, destroys P40M marijuana

MANILA, Philippines - Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency nabbed a suspected marijuana cultivator during an operation in Ilocos Sur, destroying P40 million worth of marijuana seedlings and plants, the PDEA said on Wednesday.

The PDEA said anti-narcotics agents nabbed Victor Ganase, 19, during the two-day eradication operation in Barangay Dinwende West, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.

Reports said that authorities conducted the operation from January 18 to 19 and destroyed five marijuana plantation sites in Barangay Dinwende East, covering a total land area of 3.5 hectares.

The operating team uprooted and burned on site approximately 100,000 fully-grown marijuana plants, and 500,000 pieces of marijuana seedlings worth P40 million, while kilos of dried marijuana leaves and buds, a bundle of marijuana stem and a weighing scale, were discovered at the back of Ganase’s house.

Drug cases will be filed in court against Ganase.