Cops Destroy P12.8M Marijuana Plantations Near Ilocos Border

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Two marijuana plantations filled with around 40,000 fully grown plants and 40 kilos of dried leaves, with a combined estimated value of P12.8 million, were destroyed on Tuesday (July 21) at the boundary of Sugpon town in Ilocos Sur and Kibungan town in Benguet. The marijuana plants were immediately destroyed in accordance with existing operational procedures, while follow-up investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for operating the illegal plantations. The marijuana eradication operation was conducted by the Ilocos Sur Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and other law enforcement agencies. The different police units in the region also conducted 71 anti-narcotics operations from July 15 to 21, resulting in the arrest of 78 drug suspects and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs with a total Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P14,586,218.80. The biggest “catch” was in Cabugao town at Ilocos Sur, where a high value suspect from the town was arrested, with the authorities seizing from him about 55 grams of suspected shabu contained in four heat-sealed plastic sachets, with an estimated Standard Drug Price of P374,000. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Philippine law enforcement to combat illegal drug cultivation, particularly in remote areas. Such actions are crucial in disrupting drug supply chains and maintaining national security. The issue of illegal drugs is a significant concern for the Philippines, impacting both domestic stability and its international image, especially given the large number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).