A series of coordinated law enforcement operations across Luzon resulted in the destruction of over 32,600 marijuana plants and the seizure of a kilogram of suspected shabu, dealing a combined ₱12.52 million blow to illegal drug operations.
The three-day sweep, conducted from September 10 to 12 under the direction of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., targeted both cultivation sites and urban distribution networks in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
In Northern Luzon, eradication teams focused on uprooting marijuana plantations hidden in mountainous terrain.
Operations in Ilocos Sur led to the destruction of more than 17,400 fully grown plants and seedlings worth an estimated ₱3.68 million.
Similar eradication efforts in Kalinga destroyed another 10,200 plants valued at approximately ₱2.04 million. Additional plantation sites were targeted in Benguet.
Simultaneously, drug enforcement officers struck a major distribution point in Region 4A.
A buy-bust operation in Binangonan, Rizal led to the arrest of two suspects, aged 22 and 23.
Officers confiscated approximately 1,000 grams of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱6.8 million.
PNP Chief Nartatez emphasized that targeting both cultivation hubs and transport routes remains key to the police force’s anti-illegal drug strategy.
“We are looking at the whole picture—from where these drugs are grown or produced to where they are being moved and sold,” Nartatez said.
“When we cut off the supply at the source, we protect our communities more effectively. That is the kind of policing we want—focused, coordinated, and based on actual results,” Nartatez added.
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining joint operations with partner agencies to dismantle drug networks while ensuring all actions adhere to strict legal procedures.
Both arrested suspects in Rizal remain in police custody facing drug charges.
