REYES (FB)
The Police Regional Office-1 and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 1 destroyed marijuana valued at P106.2 million in an eradication operation in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur from Jan. 15 to 18.
Police Brig. Gen. Dindo R. Reyes, PRO-1 regional director, said 98 marijuana plantations with a land area of 72,676-square meters were discovered.
Authorities eradicated 397,669 fully grown marijuana plants, 194,215 marijuana seedlings, and 156 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves worth P106,289,680.
Inventory, documentation, and onsite burning of the contraband were immediately conducted in the presence of barangay officials. Samples were collected by the police and PDEA and submitted to the crime laboratory for examination.
Reyes said investigation is ongoing to identify those behind the marijuana plantations as no suspects were arrested during the operation.
He underscored the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the region.
“Our unity in this operation proves that there is no place for drug syndicates in our mountains. We will not tire of clearing every corner of the region. As long as there are those who continue to plant, we will intensify our vigilance to protect the integrity of our land and the safety of our people,” Reyes said.
“We have cut off the flow of illegal drugs at its very source. We will not stop until every corner of our jurisdiction is cleared of the threat of illegal drugs,” he added.
Reyes urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in maintaining a safe and drug-free Region 1 (Ilocos).