BAGUIO CITY, April 13, 2026 — Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives in the Cordillera Administrative Region destroyed more than P22.8 million worth of marijuana in a week-long campaign, arresting one high-value suspect in Benguet.

The PNP announced that from April 6 to 12, authorities carried out 18 anti-illegal drug operations across the Cordillera, leading to the discovery and burning of 71,873 fully grown marijuana plants, 22 seedlings, and about 70,610 grams of dried marijuana stalks with leaves and fruiting tops. The total haul was valued at P22,856,305.

Police said the majority of the plantations were located in hard-to-reach areas of Benguet, where around P18 million worth of marijuana was destroyed and one suspect was apprehended. In Kalinga province, marijuana plants valued at about P4.8 million were also uprooted and burned.

The arrested individual, described as a high-value target, is now facing charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Authorities emphasized that the operations were part of intensified efforts to eradicate marijuana cultivation in the region, which has long been identified as a hotspot for illegal plantations due to its mountainous terrain.

The PNP highlighted that these operations not only disrupted the supply of illegal drugs but also sent a strong message to cultivators that law enforcement remains vigilant. The Cordillera police have been conducting regular eradication drives, often requiring long treks into remote areas where marijuana is secretly grown.

Officials reiterated their commitment to sustaining anti-drug campaigns, noting that marijuana eradication in the Cordillera is crucial to reducing the availability of illegal substances nationwide. The PNP also urged communities to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspected plantations and drug activities.

This latest crackdown underscores the government’s ongoing war against illegal drugs, with the Cordillera remaining a focal point due to its geography and history of marijuana cultivation. As the PNP continues its operations, authorities say they are determined to dismantle networks that profit from the trade and protect communities from its harmful effects.