P48.9-M marijuana destroyed in Ilocos Sur
Authorities seized and destroyed marijuana plants valued at approximately P48.9 million in a remote mountainous area in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur and Kibungan, Benguet.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office I information officer Mariepe de Guzman confirmed the operations on Friday, following a series of coordinated efforts conducted from Jan. 27 to 30 with the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office and local police units.
“These operations resulted in the large-scale destruction of marijuana plantations in the mountainous areas of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, and the disputed boundary with Kibungan, Benguet,” De Guzman said in a statement.
The first operation, conducted from Jan. 27 to 28 in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, led to the discovery and destruction of about 46,750 fully grown marijuana plants cultivated in multiple plantation sites covering around 10,450-square meters.
On Jan. 28 to 29, more marijuana plants were discovered within the disputed boundary of Barangay Licungan in Sugpon and Barangay Tacadang in Kibungan.
The area covers a rugged terrain of around 15,400-square meters, planted with fully-grown marijuana plants. It has an estimated value of P12.97 million.
A third operation from Jan. 29 to 30 resulted in the destruction of 126,900 fully grown marijuana plants and about 10 kilograms of dried marijuana in 28,950-square meters with an estimated value of P26.58 million.
PDEA-Ilocos Director Benjamin Gaspi commended the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, citing their role in preventing illegal drugs from reaching communities, especially the youth. (PNA)