Tijuana , Mexico ( CNN ) -- Hidden between tomato stalks , the Mexican army found what officials describe as the largest marijuana plantation in the nation , a top military official announced Thursday . Gen. Alfonso Duarte Mugica said the plantation six hours south of Tijuana is 168 times larger than the soccer field in Mexico City 's Azteca Stadium . It spans for 120 hectares ( about 300 acres ) , he said . Tomatoes growing there hid marijuana plants that were up to 2.5 meters ( 8.2. feet ) tall , Duarte said . Authorities detained six people this week during the operation to seize the field , which is located in the area of Ensenada , Baja California . The takeover means drug traffickers will not receive 1.8 billion pesos ( $ 153 million ) , he said , apparently referring to an estimated sales value of the crop . Duarte said 250 soldiers will destroy the drugs seized within the next week . Since Mexican President Felipe Calderon 's administration began in December 2006 , officials have destroyed more than 83,251 hectares ( 206,000 acres ) of marijuana , according to a report from the country 's defense department . Journalist Jose Israel Ibarra of CNNMexico.com contributed to this report .
The plantation is 168 times the size of the field in Mexico City 's soccer stadium . Comment: Gen. Alfonos Duarte Mugica says soldiers will destroy the seized drugs .