Authorities destroyed approximately ₱9.27 million worth of marijuana plants and dried leaves following a series of operations across six plantation sites in this province on Sunday.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the eradication took place between 6:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the communal forest lands of Kibungan.
Operatives uprooted 19,350 fully grown marijuana plants and seized 45 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops.
The total land area covered by the six plantations was estimated at 3,650 square meters.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the drug trade at its origin.
“We will relentlessly pursue illegal drug sources wherever they are hidden,” Nartatez said in a statement. “Operations like this send a clear message that the PNP is present even in far-flung areas.”
Police units conducted reconnaissance and established observation posts in the area prior to the raid in an attempt to catch the cultivators.
However, no arrests were made as the sites were found abandoned.
All seized materials were documented and burned on-site, with representative samples submitted to the PNP Forensic Group for examination.
Investigating units are currently working to identify the individuals responsible for the plantations.