The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief, reported a significant anti-drug accomplishment following coordinated operations in Benguet and Baguio City on March 5, 2026, which resulted in the seizure of over Php32.6 Million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of two street-level drug personalities.
Authorities uncovered 4,800 fully grown marijuana plants and 263,950 grams of dried marijuana materials from 11 plantations located in Kibungan, Bakun, and Kapangan, Benguet. The plants were immediately destroyed, while investigations continue to identify those responsible and prevent further cultivation.
In separate buy-bust operations, two suspects were arrested. One was arrested in La Trinidad, Benguet, and another in Baguio City, where suspected shabu was confiscated. Both individuals now face charges under Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation forms part of the continuing campaign of PNP against illegal drug production in remote areas, particularly in upland communities where marijuana cultivation has been monitored. Police units remain vigilant in locating and dismantling plantation sites while strengthening coordination with partner agencies and local communities to suppress the supply of illegal drugs at its source.
Aligned with this effort, PNP continues to pursue its PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic transformational direction to make police services more responsive to the public. Central to this direction are key priorities that guide the organization, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations and Active Community Support, which reinforce sustained law enforcement presence and strengthen partnerships with communities to identify and eliminate illegal drug activities.
Police General Nartatez commended the operating units for their dedication in carrying out the successful operation and reaffirmed the organization’s firm stance against illegal drugs. “Operations that target drug sources are crucial in weakening the supply chain of illegal drugs. By removing these plantations, we are preventing these substances from reaching communities and harming lives,” he said.
As PNP strengthens its sustained campaign against illegal drug cultivation and supply networks across the country, this accomplishment underscores its ongoing drive to ensure public safety, aligned with the vision of a safer and more secure nation under Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
