Police ranks destroyed approximately 35,000 suspected cannabis plants valued at more than $11.5 million during an eradication exercise at Gaetroy Savannah, Upper Berbice River, on Sunday.

The exercise, conducted between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and led by a Gazetted Officer, resulted in the discovery of three cannabis farms covering approximately five acres.

The suspected plants, ranging in height from two inches to five feet, were uprooted and destroyed by fire. A makeshift camp discovered at the location was also dismantled and destroyed.

The value of the suspected narcotics destroyed was estimated at $11,519,200.

No arrest was made, and investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, police in Regional Division Three have arrested a 43-year-old man following the discovery of 292.8 grams of suspected cannabis at Murphy Street, Wales, West Bank Demerara, on Saturday.

According to police, ranks were conducting an exercise around 3:40 p.m. when, acting on information received, they observed the man, of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, standing on the roadway with a haversack on his back.

The man reportedly ran upon seeing the police vehicle, prompting ranks to give chase. He was subsequently apprehended and searched.

A bulky black plastic bag containing another plastic bag with leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was allegedly found inside the haversack.

The man was arrested and taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence before being lodged as an exhibit.

He remains in custody as investigations continue.