PNP nets over P35M in illegal drugs in Cordillera crackdown

The Philippine National Police on Tuesday reported the seizure of more than P35.3 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of four drug personalities following a weeklong anti-drug operation in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the Police Regional Office–Cordillera (PRO CAR) conducted 31 operations from February 2 to 8, including 27 marijuana eradication drives and four buy-bust operations.

The operations resulted in the confiscation of 143,395 fully grown marijuana plants, 1,550 seedlings, 52,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, 3,000 grams of dried stalks, and 8.67 grams of shabu, with a total standard drug price of P35,399,956.

The largest haul was recorded in Benguet, where authorities seized P33,477,720 worth of illegal drugs and arrested one high-value individual. In Kalinga, P1,906,800 worth of narcotics were confiscated, leading to the arrest of two street-level individuals. In Abra, authorities recovered P15,436 worth of shabu and apprehended one street-level suspect.

“This operation demonstrates that the PNP is relentless in enforcing the law. Criminals will face justice no matter where they hide,” Nartatez said. “Sa bawat operasyon, ipinapakita natin na mahigpit nating ipinatutupad ang batas,” he added. “The arrest of high-value individuals and street-level operators alike proves that no one is beyond the reach of law enforcement. Walang sinuman ang makakaligtas sa batas; haharap sa hustisya ang bawat lumalabag.”

Nartatez said the results reflect the PNP’s commitment to its Focused Agenda, particularly the enhancement of police operations that are intelligence-driven and aimed at dismantling drug distribution networks while protecting communities.