IN a statement, PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) joined the eradication operation from April 29 to May 7.
The operation led to the destruction of a marijuana plantation with a total land area of 195,100 square meters in the mountainous areas of Mt. Chumanchil in Barangays Loccong and Buscalan in Tinglayan town.
A total of 3,349,500 fully grown marijuana plants and 1,575 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves were also seized and destroyed.
“The destruction of these plants not only disrupted the supply chain but also served as a deterrent to potential cultivators, signaling the risks associated with such illicit endeavors,” according to PBGen. Eleazar Matta, Chief, PNP-DEG.
He also ensured that this kind of illegal activities will not be tolerated through the collaborative efforts of other law enforcement agencies to make sure the safety of every community in the country.
“By disrupting the illicit drug network in Tinglayan, Kalinga, the operation not only dealt a significant blow to the drug trade but also sent a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated. The collaborative effort exemplified meticulous planning, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of justice to ensure the safety and well-being of the community,” Matta.
Meanwhile, PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said a total of 12.2 billion peso-worth of illegal drugs were seized during 17,099 anti-illegal drugs operations from Jan. 1 to May 5 this year.
She added that a total of 20,920 individuals were arrested in these operations.
