Cops to use drone in marijuana operations

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will use a drone to survey the mountainous areas of the city to better monitor the presence of marijuana plantations.

“We will be using drone also para yung sa mga masukal (na lugar) at para mas malawak yung coverage,” said Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, CCPO director.

He said the Phantom Q drone will be piloted by two trained police officers who will take turns in controlling it.

Just recently on October 5, City Public Safety Company operatives discovered a lot of “healthy” stalks of marijuana and uprooted a total of 315 stalks in Sitio Hagimit, Barangay Adlaon that they brought to their detachment in Barangay Pung-ol Sibugay.

Doria said they have already coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 for the disposal of the marijuana plants.

He added that police officers will continue uprooting marijuana plants, since the bill to legalize marijuana is still pending for debate and discussion at the House of Representatives.

PDEA-7 and the Philippine National Police previously stated they have no objections on the legalization of marijuana, however, they stressed that individuals spotted abusing the medical document to avail of marijuana will be closely monitored.

Avila / RHM

PAUL JUN E. ROSAROSO National Bureau of Investigation medico legal officer Rene Cam conducts forensic examination on the vehicle driven by businessman Vincent Rojo, who was ambushed by still unidentified assailants last week.