P11.57 million marijuana seized in Sulu, Clark

MANILA, Philippines — Marijuana plants valued at P10.27 million were seized in Kalilangan Caluang town in Sulu on Friday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported yesterday.

According to the report, 11,950 marijuana plants were discovered by joint teams of the PDEA and Bangsamoro police in Barangay Pitogo.

The illegal drugs were uprooted and destroyed on site, the PDEA said.

Cases for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, are being readied against the cultivator identified only as Mahdi.

At the Port of Clark, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported that PDEA seized P1.3 million worth of marijuana from a shipment labeled as “food spices, condiments and groceries” on Feb. 20.

According to the BOC, the shipment that arrived at the Clark International Airport was subjected to physical examination after the PDEA flagged the parcel.

Security officers, including those of the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group, National Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice as well as Barangay Dau officials found that the shipment included 26 packages with a powdery substance and four packages with dried leaves and fruiting tops.