Año orders checkpoints intensified after 217 kg of marijuana seized in QC

December 2, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday said police checkpoints must be intensified following the confiscation of 217 kilograms of marijuana worth P26 million in Quezon City on Nov 29.

In a TV interview, Año said police should work with the military  to curb the spread of marijuana which he added is used as an alternative for shabu.

"We need to intensify our checkpoints because this group knows what to do. They are placing (the illegal drugs) in products (or) finished products… They are also hiding it in the secret compartment of their vehicle,” Año said.

"What we will do is to intensify the campaign (against marijuana) and not only in Metro Manila, we will also look into the mountains, with a joint operation with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to find other existing plantations,” he added.

Last Monday, Philippine National Police chief Debold Sinas said they are finding out if marijuana is being used as an alternative for shabu as the government continues their fight against illegal drugs.

Sinas said the confiscated marijuana allegedly came from Cordillera.

The operation in Balintawak, Quezon City last November 29 resulted in the  arrest of three drug suspects. Ella Dionisio/DMS