A 56-year-old farmer was arrested after police found 12 marijuana plants, worth about P3 million, in his backyard in Barangay San Fernando Sur, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.

Authorities identified the suspect as a resident of the area and a known high-value target (HVT) in the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) drug watchlist.

He had been arrested previously for illegal drugs.

“‘Yung mga hindi nabebenta, ginagawa din nilang yosi. Mayroon po siyang mga parokyanong dumadayo kasi matagal na rin po naming iniikutan ito. Pag walang nagawa, du’n sila umiinom at du’n na rin sila nagpa-pot session,” PMAJ Hansen Miguel, Chief of the Cabiao Police Station, said.

Police conducted a surveillance operation, which led to the discovery of approximately 15,000 grams of suspected marijuana in Cayco’s backyard. He was arrested immediately.

While the suspect admitted he planted the marijuana, he denied selling it.

“Opo, herbal po kung sabihin… Opo, inaamin ko naman po na bawal. Du’n po ako nagkamali. Pero ‘yung pagbebenta po, hindi po talaga,” he said.

Despite his denial, authorities said the suspect had regular visitors and was under surveillance for some time.

The operation was led by the Cabiao Municipal Police Station’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) along with the Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PPDEU) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of Nueva Ecija.

The suspect is now in police custody and faces charges related to the cultivation and possession of illegal drugs.

Police have reminded the public to report suspicious activities as they continue to crack down on illegal drug operations in rural areas.