CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Police Regional Office-Cordillera jointly burned a total of P20,240,675.00 worth of marijuana leaves during a ceremonial burning at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, on October 8.

The ceremonial burning included 62.279 kilograms of dried marijuana stems and leaves with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P7,784,875.00 along with 59 pieces of marijuana plants with a SDP of P12,455,800.00 that were destroyed by burning.

The destroyed illegal drugs were confiscated in various anti-illegal drug operations and were properly examined in court through representative samples and required official documents.

The ceremonial destruction emphasizes the commitment to ensure the proper disposal of confiscated dangerous drugs and prevent their possible diversion, theft, or recycling.

The activity was conducted in accordance with Section 21, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002, which provides for the proper custody, disposition, and destruction of confiscated dangerous drugs.

The activity was led by PDEA Regional Director Edgar Jubay, accompanied by PBGen. Julio Lizardo, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; PCol Damian Olsim, Chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division; PCol Byron Tegui-in, Chief of the Regional Information and Communications Technology Management Division; and representatives from the Regional Forensic Unit–CAR, representatives from the Department of Justice, Environmental Management Bureau–CAR, and the Public Attorney’s Office.