APPROXIMATELY $5 million worth of cannabis was destroyed by police in Tobago.

On Friday, an intelligence-led eradication exercise conducted in the Moriah Police Station district resulted in the destruction of the cannabis near the Springs of Castara, Castara.

The exercise was conducted between 5.45 am and 7.25 am, a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).

Based on information received, PC Antoine led a party of officers approximately 900 meters into a forested area near the Springs of Castara, Castara, where they detected a strong scent of cannabis. An extensive search of the area uncovered approximately 626 growing cannabis trees and 1,500 grams of dried material.

The total estimated street value of the finds is $5,012,800.

The officers subsequently destroyed the 626 cannabis trees and the dried material by cutting and burning them on site.

The exercise was spearheaded by ASP Ag Williams and Insp Bacchus, along with acting Sgt Gordon-Harris and acting Sgt Mc Millan.

It was supervised by Cpl Alfred and Ag Cpl Ferguson. It included officers attached to the Tobago Divisional Task Force – Area North, West and East, officers of the Police Canine Unit, and members of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment.