The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Sunday that, in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), police dismantled 37 marijuana plantations in the mountainous area of Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, during a large-scale eradication operation on 17 January 2026.

The police-initiated operation, conducted from early afternoon until nearly midnight, followed meticulous planning, strong inter-agency coordination, and sustained ground presence—key pillars of the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO). Operating units from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1, PDEA RO1, and other specialized and local police units worked jointly to locate and neutralize the plantations concealed deep within the terrain.

Authorities discovered cultivation sites spanning more than 32,000 square meters, yielding an estimated 156,920 fully grown marijuana plants, 93,680 seedlings, and 96 kilograms of dried marijuana, with a total estimated standard drug price of P46.8 million. All plants were uprooted and destroyed on-site following proper inventory, documentation, and evaluation procedures, in the presence of PDEA representatives. Samples were preserved for laboratory examination.

Acting PNP chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflects the police force’s resolve to dismantle illegal drug sources at their roots.

“Hindi kami titigil sa ganitong operasyon dahil walang puwang ang ilegal na droga sa ating mga komunidad,” Nartatez said. “This accomplishment shows how effective police work becomes when operations are well-managed, intelligence-driven, and carried out with discipline and accountability,” he added.

He said the destruction of the plantations significantly disrupted the illegal drug supply chain and protected communities from its harmful effects.

“Our goal is not just arrests. Ang mas mahalaga, napuputol natin ang pinanggagalingan ng droga bago pa ito makarating sa ating mga kabataan at pamilya,” Nartatez said.

The PNP said follow-up operations and continuous monitoring will be carried out to prevent the re-establishment of illegal plantations in the area, adding that community cooperation and timely reporting of suspicious activities remain crucial.

The operation forms part of the PNP’s continuing anti-illegal drugs campaign under its Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas thrust: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.