P400T worth of marijuana burned

CEBU, Philippines - An estimated P400,000 worth of marijuana stalks were burned yesterday morning by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at its new headquarters  in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City.

PDEA-7 chief for Plans and Operations Division Mark Maramba said the 3,500 stalks of marijuana were representative sample of the 18,000 stalks uprooted in Barangay Bayong, Balamban town.

He estimated the total value of the uprooted marijuana stalks to be P1.4 million but the market value could grow up to four times when they are processed and sold.

The operation was in coordination with the Philippine Air Force’s 300th Air Intelligence and Security Group (AISG).

It was the AISG that informed the PDEA of the marijuana plantation in the place where there were reportedly 30 planting sites and the biggest of which reached up to one hectare.

Maramba said a total of three hectares of marijuana plants were uprooted during the joint operation.

He claimed the accomplishment is a manifestation of PDEA and the Philippine Air Force’s unwavering commitment for the country not only to be drug-free but to be “drug resistant.”

He called other government agencies to emulate what the AISG had done in helping PDEA as the lead agency in the campaign against illegal drugs.

The burning was approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Grecilda “Gigi” Sanchez said the fight against illegal drugs is a fight against a faceless enemy.

In her speech, Sanchez shared she is “involved in a family where there is a drug problem in itself” apparently referring to his brother who has been in drug rehabilitation.

She congratulated PDEA for its achievement though she said “to this very often mean the problem is rampant.”

She added she “feels safer with where we are and the accomplishments done” by PDEA.

The burning was witnessed by members of the media, Cebu Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba, Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Commission Executive Director Joey Herera and PDEA officials. — (FREEMAN)