CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union – Authorities uprooted marijuana plants valued at P2.6 million in six plantations during an eradication operation in Sitio Manggahan, Barangay Kayapa, Bakun, Benguet from Nov. 21 to 22.
The area is reportedly near the tri-boundary of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Benguet.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 1 (Ilocos) Director Joel B. Plaza said they destroyed 12,800 fully grown marijuana plants and 3,050 marijuana seedlings in the six plantations with a total land area of 1,900-square meters. Plaza said that these were burned on-site.
Samples were taken to the PDEA-Region 1 office in San Fernando City, La Union for proper disposition and documentation.
Kalinga
Meanwhile, police uprooted marijuana plants valued at P1 million in an eradication operation in Barangay Loccong, Tinglayan, Kalinga from Nov. 21 to 22.
Police found 5,000 fully grown marijuana plants in a 500-square meter plantation.
These were destroyed on-site and adequate samples were collected for submission to the Kalinga Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative testing.
Police said the successful eradication operation highlights the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drug activities in the province and protect the community from their harmful effects.
Man drowns
A 30-year-old man drowned in the sea in Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union on Friday morning, Nov. 22.
Police identified the victim as Rodel Tablac from Baguio City.
Investigation said the victim and his companions were reportedly drunk when they went swimming.
The body of Tablac was swept away and recovered by authorities in Barangay Carlatan, San Fernando City on Saturday, Nov. 23.