Police units in the Cordillera Administrative Region scored a major blow against illegal drugs after seizing more than ₱40.9 million worth of marijuana and shabu and arresting two drug suspects in a series of operations conducted in Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Apayao on February 14, 2026.
The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) reported a total confiscation valued at ₱40,971,032.32 based on the Standard Drug Price, highlighting the region’s intensified anti-illegal drug campaign.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the accomplishment supports the national government’s continuing drive to keep communities safe and drug-free under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“This is a clear result of intensified and well-coordinated operations. Hindi natin hahayaang sirain ng illegal drugs ang kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan,” Nartatez said. He emphasized that the success of PRO CAR is aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens operational coordination and ensures more effective field actions.
In Benguet, joint police teams uncovered 22,400 fully grown marijuana plants and seized 284,000 grams of dried marijuana, with a total estimated value of ₱38,560,000.00, during a series of marijuana eradication operations in the municipalities of Kibungan and Bakun.
Authorities immediately destroyed the marijuana plants on site to prevent the illegal drugs from reaching communities. Investigation is ongoing to identify the individuals behind the cultivation.
“Kapag sinira natin ang taniman, napipigilan natin ang ilegal na droga bago pa ito makarating sa merkado. We are hitting the problem at the source," Nartatez added.
In Mountain Province, police recovered two abandoned sacks containing 20,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves and stalks, valued at ₱2,400,000.00, under a bridge along the boundary of Brgy. Saclit, Sadanga, Mountain Province and Brgy. Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga.
The discovery followed intelligence reports about a possible illegal drug transport attempt. While personnel were conducting a checkpoint operation, a concerned citizen approached authorities and reported suspicious sacks seen under the bridge. Police immediately verified the information and confirmed the contents.
The seized marijuana was turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper examination and disposition, while follow-up investigation continues to identify those involved.
In Kalinga, a 23-year-old male suspect was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted in Brgy. Bulanao, Tabuk City, where authorities seized three sachets of suspected shabu weighing 1.5 grams, with an estimated value of ₱10,200.00.
In Apayao, a 30-year-old male suspect was arrested during the implementation of a search warrant in Brgy. Poblacion, Kabugao. Authorities recovered three sachets of suspected shabu weighing 0.1224 grams, valued at ₱832.32.
Nartatez emphasized that the campaign against illegal drugs will remain relentless, and urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts.