NATION

38,400 marijuana plants uprooted

Aldwin Quitasol · Jul 19, 2026, 2:20 AM

AUTHORITIES uprooted and burned 38,400 fully grown marijuana plants worth an estimated P7.68 million in Barangay Butbut Proper, Tinglayan, Kalinga, as part of an anti-illegal drugs operation. — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of PDEA Cordillera

BAGUIO CITY — Joint law enforcement operatives uprooted and burned 38,400 fully grown marijuana plants worth an estimated P7.68 million during a two-day eradication operation in Barangay Butbut Proper, Tinglayan, Kalinga, from 16 to 17 July.

Authorities said the illegal plantation covered about 3,200 square meters. No arrests were made during the operation, but investigators are tracking down those responsible for cultivating the marijuana, including the landowners.

The operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Cordillera in coordination with the Police Regional Office-Cordillera, Kalinga Police Provincial Office, Tinglayan Municipal Police Station, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Kalinga District.

PDEA-Cordillera said the operation forms part of its intensified campaign against the cultivation and production of illegal drugs in the Cordillera region.