PHP 3.4 Million Worth of Marijuana Seized in Kalinga Sting Operation

A drug bust in Kalinga province Thursday night led to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of millions worth of marijuana, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Friday.

Large Haul: 29 Bricks of Marijuana Confiscated

The operation, conducted by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), took place in Barangay West, Rizal, at 9:30 p.m. Authorities arrested an individual known only by the alias “Raffy.”
The operation yielded 29 bricks of dried marijuana leaves. These were sealed in transparent plastic bags and weighed a total of 29 kilograms, amounting to an estimated PHP 3.4 million.

  • Location: Barangay West, Rizal, Kalinga
  • Time: 9:30 p.m.
  • Suspect: Alias “Raffy”
    This isn’t the first large-scale drug bust in the region, but it’s another reminder that marijuana continues to be trafficked despite the government’s long-standing war on drugs.

Suspect Held, Faces Charges Under Dangerous Drugs Act

After the arrest, the suspect was immediately brought to the Rizal Municipal Police Station. Charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are expected to be filed against him.
Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, PDEG chief, expressed confidence in the ongoing operations. “The arrest of key drug suspects in operation sends a clear message that our efforts to combat drug-related crime are both effective and ongoing,” Matta stated.

The suspect’s arrest demonstrates how closely law enforcement is watching these communities. More arrests like these might be necessary to curb the illegal drug trade in the area. It also raises the question: How deep does the supply chain go, and how far-reaching is the local involvement?

Police Crackdown Sends Clear Signal to Drug Syndicates

Marijuana remains a hot topic in the Philippines, with movements advocating for its medical use clashing against the firm stance of the government. Regardless, law enforcement agencies are not backing down. This seizure sends a direct message to drug syndicates operating in the region.
Brig. Gen. Matta emphasized that the community should take comfort in knowing that authorities are working hard to keep these dangerous substances off the streets. He pointed out that more efforts are in place to ensure that those responsible for the drug trade in Kalinga, and other parts of the Philippines, are held accountable.

While the police’s message is clear, the reality remains complex. The communities affected by drug trafficking face challenges beyond enforcement. Questions around poverty, local support for narcotics, and rehabilitation efforts loom large over such victories.

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