MANILA — In a coordinated anti-drug operation in Taba-aw, Poblacion, Kibungan, Benguet on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) burned more than P22 million worth of dried marijuana.
At around 8:30 a.m., the procedure got underway. and went on until 2:40 p.m., involving a joint task force made up of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Benguet Police Provincial Office, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera Administrative Region office, the Kibungan Municipal Police Station, and the PNP’s PIU‑PDEU‑PSOG composite unit.
Within a communal forest area, officers discovered marijuana plants at three different locations. Before the contraband was burned on-site under appropriate supervision, the plants were recorded at each location and enough samples were gathered for forensic analysis.
The PNP reports that in a nearby communal forest, 190,000 grams of dried marijuana stalks and leaves with fruiting tops were found and destroyed.
Authorities found three distinct locations in the wooded area during the operation.
70,000 grams of dried marijuana were found at the first location, 100,000 grams at the second, and 20,000 grams at the third.
Before the marijuana was burned on-site, each location was thoroughly recorded, and enough samples were gathered for the Regional Forensic Unit–Cordillera to analyze at a lab.
In the battle against illegal substances, authorities asked the people to maintain being watchful, report suspicious activity, and assist law enforcement.
Police Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. highlighted the importance of inter‑agency cooperation in such missions, saying the success of the operation demonstrates sustained commitment to public safety and the suppression of illegal drugs. “When our agencies work together, law enforcement becomes more effective,” he said, adding that authorities will continue to pursue leads and urge the public to report suspicious activities.
This latest eradication in Benguet adds to a series of similar operations in the region over the past years, including previous marijuana plantation raids and destruction efforts that uncovered contraband worth millions of pesos.
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