Photo courtesy of PNP
Police seized more than Php 227 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and arrested 12 people during a weeklong series of anti-drug operations across the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The Philippine National Police said 17 operations were carried out from Aug. 10 to 16, ranging from marijuana eradication and buy-bust operations to warrant service and other police actions.
Authorities reported destroying about 1.12 million fully grown marijuana plants and 50,000 seedlings. They also recovered 150 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops and 8.49 grams of suspected shabu.
The combined estimated value of the seized drugs reached about Php 227.02 million based on standard drug pricing used by authorities.
Major recoveries were recorded in Kalinga, Mountain Province, Baguio City, Apayao and Benguet, where marijuana cultivation remains a persistent concern.
The 12 arrested individuals were facing complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“Malaking bagay na napipigilan natin ang mga ito bago pa makarating sa ating mga komunidad. Pero hindi dito nagtatapos ang trabaho. Tuloy lang tayo, kasi bawat operasyon may katumbas na mga pamilyang pinoprotektahan natin,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said.
The PNP said it would continue focusing on areas linked to drug production and movement while coordinating with local communities and partner agencies on prevention and enforcement efforts.
