Authorities destroyed around 21,200 fully grown high-grade marijuana plants and confiscated at least three sacks of dried marijuana leaves worth more than P18.2 million in two barangays in Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The operation was carried out by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Sulu, police officers, and military troops in Barangay Masjid Punjungan and Barangay Pitogo.

According to the 11th Infantry Division (11ID), the scale, maturity, and quality of the plantations indicate an organized and well-established illegal cultivation operation in a remote and difficult terrain.

The suspect identified as alias “Mods” and his cohorts evaded arrest.

However, the operating team secured the area and destroyed the plantations.

The joint forces also recovered six high-powered firearms and ammunition in the area.

“The dismantling of large-scale marijuana plantations not only disrupts illegal drug networks but also cuts off potential funding sources that may support armed and lawless elements. We remain relentless in supporting law enforcement efforts to sustain peace and stability across our brigade’s area of operations,” 1102nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, said.

“These results demonstrate the effectiveness of a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach. Through close coordination among the AFP, PDEA, PNP, LGUs, and other stakeholders, we can protect communities, sustain peace, and prevent the resurgence of criminal and armed groups in Sulu,” 11ID Commander, Major General Leonardo Peña, added.