Police officials destroy a marijuana plantation in Benguet (PNA photo)
An official of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) bared that anti-illegal drugs operatives had confiscated and destroyed marijuana plants and seedlings amounting to P20.49 million.
PROCOR information officer, Maj. Carolina Lacuata reported that these plants were confiscated from several police operations in different areas in the region from September 23 to 27.
On September 23, simultaneous operations in Benguet and Kalinga yielded a total of P612,000 worth of marijuana seedlings and fully grown plants.
The next day in Badeo, Kibungan, P200,000 worth of fully grown marijuana plants were destroyed by operatives.
On the third day, a total of 1.28 kilograms of hashish covered with milled coffee valued at P281,000 was intercepted when it was coursed through a private courier firm in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
Then on September 25 to 27, “Oplan Green pearl Delta 09-2019” was implemented which resulted in the destruction of fully grown marijuana plants and dried leaves valued at P19.3 million.
Meanwhile, another batch of 100 drug dependents in Baguio City are now undergoing a community-based, two-phase rehabilitation program being run by a multi-sectoral group composed of the local government, police and faith-based organizations.
Cora Lee Dulnuan of the City Social Welfare and Development bared that the first phase runs for three months and will focus on the subject’s personality and faith.
“Aftercare” is the second phase that also runs for three months and tackles relapse prevention, livelihood assistance, peer support and monitoring of progress.
So far, 503 drug surrenderers out of the total of 2,554 have completed the rehabilitation program since 2016. (Jojo Mangahis)