P15M weed uprooted in Kalinga

RESIDENT TIPPED OFF AUTHORITIES

IN ITS efforts to win the battle against illegal drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Cordillera scored anew after eradicating a marijuana plantation in the province of Kalinga.

PDEA-Car Information Officer Joseph Calulut said the eradication was led by the anti-narcotics agents together with PDEA Region 1 and Philippine Army at Sitios Talin and Pugo, Tulgao West, Tinglayan, on October 27 following information given by concerned citizens.

The anti-drug operation resulted to the destruction of 74,452 pieces of fully-grown marijuana plants that were cultivated from 13,057 square meters of land, with an estimated worth of P15,310,000 subsequently burned on site with no cultivators arrested.

"This successful operation is a result of our continuing engagement with the community in Kalinga who informed us of this plantation site to which, after days of intelligence

work, we confirmed its location and conducted the operation," Calulut said.

The operation dubbed as "Oplan Chill" was enforced a few weeks after the House Committee on Health endorsed House Bill Number 180 or the proposed Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act which proposes the legalization and regulation of the medical marijuana.

"PDEA is inclined towards the passing of House Bill No. 180 and eventually its enactment into law. However, control measures and regulations on the medical use of cannabis are highly needed to ensure the patient’s safety and prevent its use for recreational purposes,” Calulut added.

PDEA is continuously monitoring previous marijuana plantation sites in the Cordillera to ensure a non-resurgence.