Guatemala’s National Civil Police eradicated 77,564 marijuana plants in Las Cruces, Petén, valued by police at 38,782,000 quetzales.[1] The seizure took place in a mountainous area, where specialized teams destroyed the illegal crops, according to the PNC’s official X account.[1] The operation was coordinated by the anti-narcotics analysis directorate SGAIA and the PNC agency APNC, following intelligence work against trafficking networks in the north of the country.[1]
Authorities confirmed the official valuation, estimating the economic impact on criminal structures at more than 38 million quetzales.[1] The National Civil Police said the actions strengthen the fight against drug trafficking in the national territory.[1]
The PNC presents this type of action as aimed at protecting and serving the population while acting transparently.[1] The PNC describes eradicating illegal plantations as part of a sustained strategy including patrols, ground operations and collaboration with state entities.[1] Official data show security forces intensified prevention and eradication in 2026 in border departments such as Petén, where criminal groups use hard-to-reach areas.[1]
