MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — Police authorities uprooted and destroyed 321 fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated street value of ₱64,200 during a joint security and anti-illegal drug operation in Sitio Talahidan, Barangay Caburacanan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Thursday afternoon, August 6, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 4:20 p.m. by personnel of the 1st Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and the Malaybalay City Police Station, in coordination with the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit. The joint forces conducted what authorities described as an internal-driven security and combat operation, which led to the discovery and dismantling of the suspected marijuana plantation.
Police personnel immediately uprooted the 321 fully grown marijuana plants found in the area. Based on the authorities’ initial assessment, the confiscated plants were estimated to have a total value of approximately ₱64,200, dealing a significant blow to the suspected illegal cultivation of marijuana in the area.
Of the 321 plants recovered, 311 were immediately destroyed by burning at the site following proper documentation and inventory. The remaining 10 marijuana plants were retained as representative specimens and evidence and transported to the Provincial Forensic Unit in Malaybalay City for laboratory examination and further verification.
Authorities said the operation forms part of continuing efforts to locate and dismantle marijuana cultivation sites and prevent the illegal production and distribution of prohibited drugs. The discovery also highlights the importance of intelligence-driven and coordinated police operations, particularly in areas where illegal drug cultivation may be concealed from the public and authorities.
The recovered specimens will undergo forensic examination as part of the investigation. Police authorities are expected to determine the identities of those responsible for cultivating and maintaining the suspected plantation and pursue appropriate charges based on the results of the investigation and laboratory examination.
The operation underscores the continuing campaign of law enforcement agencies in Bukidnon against illegal drug cultivation, with authorities urging communities to remain vigilant and report information concerning suspected marijuana plantations and other illegal drug activities to the proper authorities.
Despite the destruction of the majority of the plants, the retention of representative specimens ensures that physical evidence remains available for laboratory analysis and possible use in subsequent legal proceedings.