ANTI–NARCOTICS agent uprooted and burned P5,660,000 worth of marijuana plants in a three-day operation from May 27 to 29 in Tinglayan, Kalinga.

The eradication was conducted through joint forces from the anti-narcotic operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) - Kalinga Provincial Office together with Tinglayan Municipal Police Station, 1st and 2nd Coy KPMFC, drug enforcement unit of the Kaling Provincial Police Office, Provincial Intelligence Branch and Lubuagan Municipal Police Station.

Destroyed during the eradication under PDEA-CAR Oplan: “Linis Barangay XI” and PNP OPLAN: “Green Pearl Bravo” were 28,300 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants and 1,000 pcs of marijuana seedlings at Butbut Proper, Tinglayan, Kalinga.

PDEA said the area covered 10 plantation sites with total land area of 2,931 square meters.

However, PDEA reported no suspects were found, and based on the rugged terrain where the plantations are located, the suspects fled when they heard operatives hiking up the mountainous areas.

The PDEA also emphasized that any individual engaged in the unlawful cultivation of marijuana is punishable under Sec.16 Article II of the Republic Act 9165 or “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2001”. (SunStar Baguio)