The Philippine National Police in the Cordillera Administrative Region is investigating possible financiers and potential export routes linked to large-scale marijuana plantations in the region.
Police Regional Office–Cordillera Administrative Region Director Brig. Gen. Ericson Dilag said authorities are examining whether individuals or groups are funding the plantations, allowing some locals to continue cultivating marijuana despite repeated police operations.
Dilag said the volume of marijuana discovered and destroyed in recent operations has raised questions about where the supply is going. He noted that the level of demand in Metro Manila and other areas cannot fully account for the amount being produced, prompting investigators to consider the possibility of distribution outside known markets.
From January to mid-February, police reported discovering and destroying marijuana crops valued at more than ₱300 million. The figure nearly doubled the ₱123 million worth of plantations eradicated during the same period last year, according to PRO-CAR.
Authorities said the increase suggests continued cultivation in remote areas of the Cordillera despite ongoing enforcement efforts. Police are now working to identify possible financial backers and determine whether organized networks are involved in sustaining the plantations.
Investigators are also looking into potential supply chains and distribution channels to establish where large volumes of marijuana are being transported.
The police said operations to locate and destroy marijuana plantations will continue as part of efforts to curb illegal drug production in the region. PRO-CAR added that the investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather more information on the possible financiers and destinations of the seized crops.
