By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA – Members of the anti-narcotics unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized PHP3.4 million worth of marijuana in a sting operation in Kalinga province Thursday night.

In a statement Friday, PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said the operation in Barangay West in the town of Rizal at about 9:30 p.m. resulted in the arrest of alias “Raffy”.

Matta said the operatives seized 29 bricks of dried marijuana leaves sealed in transparent plastic bags weighing 29 kg., along with other non-drug-related items.

“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. The community can take comfort in knowing that we are actively working to eliminate dangerous substances from their neighborhoods,” Matta said.

The suspect is now under the custody of the Rizal Municipal Police Station and would be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)