Valencia City, Bukidnon — Police authorities in Northern Mindanao uprooted and destroyed an estimated ₱366,000 worth of marijuana plants and dried leaves during an anti-illegal drug operation in a remote area of Barangay Lourdes, Valencia City, on Tuesday, July 16.
According to Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), the marijuana plantation was discovered in Purok 3, a mountainous sitio located approximately five to six hours on foot from the village proper.
The joint operation was carried out by the Bukidnon Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 10 (RDEU-10), Valencia City Police Station, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bukidnon Provincial Office.
Authorities began the uprooting at around 8:30 AM, seizing the following from the 250-square meter site:
- 100 marijuana seedlings (estimated value: ₱4,000),
- 10 fully grown marijuana plants (₱2,000),
- Three kilograms of suspected dried marijuana leaves (₱360,000 based on ₱120 per gram),
- Two plastic seedling trays.
The marijuana plants and leaves were immediately burned on-site, while representative samples were preserved for laboratory testing by the Bukidnon Provincial Forensic Unit in Malaybalay City.
The discovery of the plantation stemmed from a tip by forest rangers, which prompted a verification operation by the police.
PBGen Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the operating units for their dedication to eradicating illegal drugs, especially in far-flung areas.
“The successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement units in reaching even the farthest corners of the region to put an end to the cultivation of illegal drugs. We remain firm in our mission to rid Northern Mindanao of the drug menace,” he stated.
Investigation is ongoing to identify the individuals responsible for cultivating the illegal crops.