• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Authorities discovered more or less 3,000 stalks of fully-grown marijuana plants at Sitio Mangga, Barangay Manduao, Bayawan in Negros Oriental at around 2:55 a.m. on Saturday, January 31.
Police reported that while they were conducting an intel monitoring in relation to the service of warrant of arrest for a certain person in the area, and while patrolling on foot in the area, they saw the plantation.
Upon confirmation, the marijuana plants were uprooted and burnt on-site.
About 3,000 stalks of marijuana with drug value at P600,000 were properly disposed of.
Law enforcers have decided to dispose of the said plants during the operation due to the distance and challenging terrain. The disposal was conducted with proper documentation witnessed by the barangay officials.
Meanwhile, five stalks of fully-grown marijuana plants were brought to the Provincial Forensic Unit for examination, chemical analysis, and proper disposition.
Authorities are now launching an investigation to determine the person behind the plantation, who will be facing charges in violation of RA9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.*
