Police told to keep MJ haul price secret

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- To prevent investment in illegal trade, towns in this province are appealing to police and media to conceal the value of confiscated marijuana plants.

Police regional information Chief Police Superintendent Davy Vicente Limmong said Bakun, Kibungan and Kapangan chief executives have asked the police to conceal the market value of confiscated, eradicated and uprooted marijuana plants.

Limmong said the three chief executives have asked the police to appeal to the press to possibly not indicate market value of the illegal drugs.

Limmong said this is based on the appeal of the local government of Benguet explaining it encourages more people to plant knowing that the price is that high. “However, it is always [the editors’] call if you want to include it in your report.”

Recently, five hectares of marijuana plantation were destroyed in 48 sites with 260,500 fully grown marijuana plants; 27,800 seedlings; 28 kilos marijuana stalks; and 11 kilos seeds were destroyed on site by combined police and anti-narcotics agents in different areas in the province.

The police press release indicated the market value but came with the appeal not to include the number in the report.

Benguet Provincial Police Chief Rodolfo Azurin led and implemented an Operation Plan called “Berdeng Ginto” in relation to its Case Operation Plan “Green Gold” in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.