BENGUET — A marijuana greenhouse was discovered by operatives of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) working in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-CAR (PDEA-CAR) on Thursday in Barangay Caponga, Tublay town.
Investigation Follows Earlier Arrest
The operation was initiated following an intensified investigation stemming from the arrest of the greenhouse owner during a buy-bust operation in the same barangay on March 12, 2026. Subsequent monitoring of the situation led to the issuance of a search warrant on March 24, 2026, by the Regional Trial Court, First Judicial Region, in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Joint Operation and Transparency
The search warrant was implemented with PRO-CAR Regional Director Police Brigadier General Ericson Dilag and PDEA-CAR Regional Director Martin Francia leading the operation. They were joined by PRO-CAR Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Colonel Ledon Monte and Benguet Provincial Police Director Police Colonel Lambert Suerte. Representatives from the local government and media were present to ensure transparency during the operation.
Authorities uprooted 90 fully grown marijuana plants found inside the greenhouse. These plants had an estimated standard drug price of P18,000.
Evidence Handling and Future Efforts
An inventory of the seized plants was conducted on-site with the required witnesses present. The plants were then destroyed to prevent replanting, though samples were preserved for laboratory examination by the Regional Forensic Unit-CAR.
Police Brigadier General Dilag emphasized the importance of coordination between police personnel, barangay officials, and community leaders for early detection and prevention. He stated that vigilance and strong community partnerships are essential for sustaining the region’s anti-illegal drug efforts. PRO-CAR has renewed its call for public vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this operation?
The operation stemmed from an intensified follow-up investigation after the arrest of the greenhouse owner in a buy-bust operation on March 12, 2026, in the same barangay.
Who led the operation?
The operation was led by PRO-CAR Regional Director Police Brigadier General Ericson Dilag and PDEA-CAR Regional Director Martin Francia, along with Police Colonel Ledon Monte and Police Colonel Lambert Suerte.
What happened to the marijuana plants?
The 90 fully grown marijuana plants were uprooted and destroyed to prevent replanting, but samples were preserved for laboratory examination.
As law enforcement continues its efforts, what role might increased community involvement play in preventing similar incidents in the future?
