P100-M WORTH OF MARIJUANA SEIZED IN BENGUET

Government agents uprooted and destroyed over P100 million worth of
marijuana leaves, plants and seedlings in Benguet recently as part of
the government's effort to eradicate narcotic drugs.

"This operation is very significant because I think this is the first
time that they have eradicated this huge volume of marijuana plants in
the recent years," said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief
Director General Arturo Lomibao.

Lomibao commended operatives of the PNP's Anti-Illegal Drugs Special
Operation Task Force, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),
and the 1604th Provincial Mobile Group under Coplan Greengrass.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes gave away cash
prize to the raiders as incentive for their successful operation in
Sitio Soukan, Barangay Lam-ayan, Buguias, Benguet.

Senior Superintendent Erasto Sanchez said the two-hectare plantation
was reportedly being cultivated and maintained by rebels and was in
fact their source of livelihood.

Aside from marijuana plants, Sanchez added that 30 kilos of dried
marijuana fruiting tops were also seized.

"We would like to assure the public that your PNP and other law
enforcement agencies are unrelenting in this campaign," Reyes added.

The PNP, PDEA and other law enforcement agencies of the government
have intensified the campaign on illegal drugs as part of the 12-point
anti-drug program of President Arroyo.