LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A total of P29 millions worth of marijuana were destroyed, while 34 wanted persons were arrested during the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation (SACLEO) conducted by the Benguet Provincial Office from February 19-28.
Benguet Provincial Office director Col. Damian Olsim said a total of 16 marijuana eradication operations were conducted in the municipalities of Bakun, Kapangan, and Kibungan which resulted in the discovery and destruction of 41,270 pieces fully-grown marijuana plants planted in public lands which are considered as communal forests.
During those operations, the operatives also destroyed 155 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves and stalks and 500 grams of marijuana seeds.
Police estimated the total value of the destroyed marijuana plants to be around P29,866,500.
Olsim said a total of 34 wanted persons were arrested during manhunt operations by the Benguet cops, including suspects for cases such as frustrated homicide, attempted homicide, attempted rape, violation of RA 7610, theft, frustrated theft, physical injuries, violation of RA 9262, and robbery among others.
Other significant accomplishments include the surrender of 12 loose firearms by concerned individuals to the authorities which were subsequently turned over to the Benguet Forensic Unit after documentation, surrender of two firearms with expired license by the owners to the authorities for safe-keeping, and arrest of two individuals for illegal gambling.