CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union – Authorities seized 73 kilograms of marijuana valued at P8.7 million in an abandoned vehicle in Barangay Sasaba, Santol, La Union on Monday.
MARIJUANA valued at more than P8 million were discovered in an abandoned vehicle in Barangay Sasaba, Santol, La Union on Monday. (Photo via PDEA Region 1)
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 1 Director Joel Plaza identified the suspects who abandoned the vehicle as Felmen Day-os Aliles Jr., alias Dondon, and Amado Paycao, alias Amado A. Gante Jr., residents of Barangay Sasaba.
The suspects were subjected to monitoring after authorities discovered their activities. An interdiction operation was set up but the suspects sensed they were being monitored and abandoned the vehicle.
Authorities applied for a search warrant and seized 73 elongated rolls of marijuana leaves weighing one kilo each wrapped in transparent plastic bags and packaging tape and a Mitsubishi Delica minivan.
The suspects who are the subject of a manhunt operation face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
La Union Police Provincial Office Director Police Col. Heryl L. Bruno said the suspects are high-value targets in the illegal drugs trade.
“The suspects have been identified but remain at large, we will file an appropriate case in court to secure a warrant for the arrest of these suspects," said Bruno. (With a report from Erwin Beleo)