The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR), continues to intensify its campaign against illegal drugs, resulting in the seizure of more than Php227 Million worth of suspected illegal drugs and the arrest of 12 individuals during a series of operations conducted from August 10 to 16, 2026.
During the one week, police units across the Cordillera region conducted 17 anti-illegal drug operations, including marijuana eradication activities, buy-bust operations, and the implementation of search warrants. These efforts led to the recovery of approximately 1.12 million fully grown marijuana plants, 50,000 seedlings, 150 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, and 8.49 grams of suspected shabu, with a combined estimated value of Php227,015,732 based on standard drug pricing.
Significant recoveries were recorded in Kalinga, Mountain Province, Baguio City, Apayao, and Benguet, demonstrating the sustained efforts of police units to identify and dismantle areas being used for illegal drug cultivation and distribution. The 12 individuals arrested during the operations are now facing appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, said that the confiscation of illegal drugs represents more than the removal of prohibited substances from circulation, as every successful operation helps protect families and communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs and prevents their proliferation.
“Malaking bagay na napipigilan natin ang mga ito bago pa man makarating sa ating mga komunidad. Pero hindi dito nagtatapos ang trabaho. Tuloy lang tayo, dahil sa bawat operasyon, may mga pamilya tayong napoprotektahan,” he said.
The intensified operations form part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens police action through intelligence-driven operations, effective coordination among police units and partner agencies, and responsible enforcement of the law.
PGen Nartatez Jr said the PNP will continue to focus its anti-illegal drug efforts on areas identified as sources, production sites, and transit points for illegal drugs. He further underscored that the Nation’s Peacekeepers remain committed to protecting communities, disrupting the supply of illegal drugs, and ensuring that police operations are carried out with professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
