Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported that they uprooted marijuana in a plantation in the boundaries of La Union and Ilocos Sur recently.

The operation is in line with NBI director Jaime Santiago’s order to intensify the campaign against the illegal drug trade in the country.

Reports showed that NBI-Laoag District Office (NBI-LADO), NBI-Ilocos Regional Office (NBI-IRO), and NBI-Vigan District Office (NBI-VIDO), together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and La Union Police Mobile Police Force (LUPMF), raided a marijuana plantation in the boundaries of La Union and Ilocos Sur.

Santiago said that the operation stemmed from intelligence reports revealing that marijuana was being planted within the boundaries of La Union, Ilocos Sur and Benguet. Full-grown marijuana plants were ready for harvest and eventual distribution.

In response, NBI-LADO operatives, headed by Atty. Dante B. Bonoan, verified the information, which resulted in the identification of the site of the marijuana plantation in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur.

Last 27 November 2024, the joint operatives proceeded to the marijuana plantation, traversing a hazardous 9.5-hour foot trail leading to Barangay Licungan, Municipality of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur.

The cultivators of the marijuana plantation fled upon seeing the approaching operatives. A representative from PDEA estimated the value of the uprooted marijuana plants at P2,225,000. The plants were burned onsite by the joint operatives.

Santiago commended the operatives of NBI-IRO, NBI-LADO, and NBI-VIDO for their undying commitment to discharging their sworn duties despite the challenges they encountered during the operation.

He also expressed his gratitude to the PNP and PDEA for their invaluable support to the NBI, which led to the successful anti-drug operation, and emphasized the importance of smooth collaboration and coordination between the law enforcement agencies.