Authorities destroyed marijuana plants worth more than P10 million in Barangay Pitogo, Kalilangan Caluang, Sulu.

Police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) discovered around 11, 950 fully grown marijuana plants at a 1,950-square meter plantation.

The marijuana plants were uprooted and burned in the area.

The Police Regional Office-BAR said the operation targeted several marijuana cultivation sites allegedly maintained by a certain alias “Maddi” who was not around during the operation.

However, the suspect will face charges for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).

"We will continue to work diligently with our partner agencies to dismantle drug networks and ensure that those involved are brought to justice," PRO-BAR Director, Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, said.

Meanwhile, PDEA-BARMM agents arrested a 32-year-old man with suspected shabu worth nearly P7 million in a separate operation in Luuk town.

Seized from the suspect was a pack of suspected shabu weighing around one kilo.

The suspect’s companion escaped.

Authorities considered the suspect a high value target in the illegal drug trade.

“This joint effort by PDEA, the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other supporting agencies demonstrates the strength of inter-agency cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs. The PDEA assures the public that law enforcement operations will continue to dismantle targeted drug syndicates and maintain peace and order in the Bangsamoro region,” PDEA-BARMM Director, Gil Cesario Castro, said.