P1.4-M worth of ‘marijuana’ plants seized 

Authorities confiscated suspected marijuana plants worth P1.4 million in Barangay 2 Poblacion, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – At least 300 suspected marijuana plants and seedlings worth P1.4 million were confiscated in a buy-bust operation at Purok 5, Barangay 2 Poblacion, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental last Sunday.

Police identified the suspect as Bryden Desierto, 30, of the said village.

Police Captain Ramel Bustamante, Hinoba-an town police chief, said that Desierto has been monitored for about a month, following information from some arrested individuals.

He said they have only confirmed the information two days ago.

Bustamante said that Desierto allegedly sold a marijuana plant for P500 to a police agent.

He said that more plants placed in plastic pots were found at the back of the suspect’s house.

Bustamante said the suspect alleged that he’s been using marijuana, thus he has lots of plants at his backyard.

“Sa pagkadamo sa to, ginagamit niya lang kuno,” Bustamante said.

He said that Desierto will be charged for sale of dangerous drugs and cultivation or culture of plants classified as dangerous drugs.