P10.63-M cannabis shrubs in Benguet torched

BAGUIO CITY — Authorities destroyed marijuana plants worth P10.63 million during an anti-drug operation on Jan. 27-28, in Sitios Les-eng and Batangan, Barangay Tacadang, Kibungan, Benguet.

The operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera, with National Bureau of Investigation-Cordillera agents, Benguet Highway Patrol Group, and the local Kibungan police.

Law enforcement officers discovered the illegal plantation covering about 7,150 square meters in a remote area.

Around 53,650 fully grown marijuana plants planted in 15 sites were torched.

No individuals were arrested during the operation, but authorities said they are continuing their investigation to identify the landowner and those responsible for the cultivation. — Artemio A. Dumlao