PNP destroys ₱16.3M worth of marijuana in Benguet

The Philippine National Police (PNP) destroyed more than P16 million worth of marijuana plants and dried stalks at a communal forest in Benguet.

According to a statement Thursday, the PNP said 3,500 fully-grown marijuana plants and approximately 130,000 grams of dried marijuana stalks worth an estimated P16.3 million were destroyed between 3:40 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday.

The contraband was taken from two plantation sites, and was properly documented before destruction on Thursday, according to police.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa dami ng nasamsam. Ang mahalaga dito, napuputol natin ang pinanggagalingan ng droga bago pa ito makarating sa ating mga komunidad… This is how we protect our families—by denying criminal groups the chance to profit from illegal drugs,” shared PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

(This is not just about the amount that was seized. What is important here is that we were able to cut off the source of the drugs before it reached the community… This is how we protect our families—by denying criminal groups the chance to profit from illegal drugs.)

“Under EMPO, mas maayos na planning, mas mabilis na aksyon, at mas malinaw na resulta sa ground. Kapag nagtutulungan ang PNP at PDEA, mas ramdam ng publiko ang epekto,” he added.

(Under EMPO, planning is better and actions are faster, and the results on the ground are clearer. If we are able to assist the PNP and PDEA, the public can feel the effects better.) —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News