Lawmen uproot P11-M marijuana in Kalinga raids

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga – An estimated P11,040,000 worth of fully-grown marijuana plants was destroyed by elements of Police Regional Office Cordillera, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Philippine Army during a 2-day marijuana eradication drive in this remote town.

Lawmen uprooted the illegal plants at Barangay Buscalan Sept. 20-21 at nine marijuana plantation sites in Mt. Chumanchil, Sitio Bato, Loccong.

No cultivator was arrested during the operation wherein 40,850 fully grown marijuana plants were burned while some were brought to Kalinga provincial police office as evidence.

Lawmen coordinated earlier with municipal and barangay officials for the operation.

Marijuana cultivation is reportedly the source of livelihood of some folks here. Government officials have tried to dissuade them from the illegal practice but they have reportedly persisted with this due to lack of livelihood options.

Regional police director Chief Supt. Elmo Francis Oco Sarona cited his men for the successful mission.