VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – While many celebrate Valentine’s Day, gallant men and women served through three days of incessant anti-drug narcotics operation, leading to the discovery of 32 marijuana plantation sites with more than 50 Million pesos worth of Marijuana in the mountains of Ilocos Sur and the capture of an elusive marijuana cultivator.
Combined agents of PDEA RO1(Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 1), Philippine Air Force TOG-1, 81st Infantry Battalion 71 Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police raided an estimated 2.3 hectares last February 13-15, 2016.
Aptly named as Operational Plan Love Triangle, as it was comprised of three operational plans under PDEA RO1, the operational plan focused on the vast highland ranges of barangays Licungan and Caoayan, in Sugpon Ilocos Sur which is ideal for the weeds growth.
Twenty-six years old Jomar C. Capucap of Licungan, was also caught stealthily trying to hide marijuana seeds ready for planting in a site where troops were clearing up discovered plantation of fully grown illegal hemp. Capucap now faces charges of violating Sections 11 and 16 Article II of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and is not eligible for bail.
Operating troops destroyed a total of 170 grams of marijuana seeds, 730 kilograms of its dried leaves and 162, 873 Fully Grown Marijuana Plants with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board Value of Php50, 849,250.
“We are resolute in clearing these plantation sites before it reaches the main populace as evidenced by Noelezar.” remarked PDEA RO1 Regional Director Adrian G. Alvarino who was referring to the arrest of Noelezar T. Molina, the suspect who tried transporting 105 kilos of hemp street valued at 450K to Manila at Santol, La Union.
By Bismarck Bengwayan
