By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – At least 111 suspected marijuana plants were uprooted by police in Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental Monday.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Mesahon Jr., city police chief, said the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU)-6, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)-6, and San Carlos City Police Station also arrested Benjie Clarion, 43, of the said village, following reports on the alleged marijuana plantation in the village.
Mesahon said 25 fully grown and 71 newly-grown suspected marijuana plants worth P19,200 were uprooted.
Mesahon said that Clarion was previously arrested for a drug offense and was later released through plea-bargaining.
Drug charges are being readied against Clarion, who has yet to be reached for comment.
Aside from the plants, police who were securing the area during the operation also sighted 15 suspected marijuana plants worth P6,000 by the road side.
Mesahon said the landowner denied owning the plants in the area, claiming that someone just planted it there.
Mesahon said they already have a lead on the identity of the person who planted the plants there, but he refused to divulge it while investigation is ongoing.
“May ara abi na pag sa bukid, may ga angkon lang sang duta kag tamnan,” he added.
The uprooted marijuana plants were turned over to the Provincial Crime Laboratory here for examination.
Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo, director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-6, lauded the joint police operatives for the successful operation.
“Congratulations on your constant resolve and enthusiasm in our campaign against illegal drugs,” Dongbo said.
Your output bespeaks of your commitment to service for the betterment of every community, he added.
