SUGPON, Ilocos Sur—Authorities uprooted and burned marijuana worth P7.5 million Saturday in the upland municipality of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur.

Col. Agosto Asuncion, Ilocos Sur police director, said joint forces of the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1 (PDEA RO1) conducted the operation at Barangay Licungan on 25 October 2025. The operation led to the discovery of several large marijuana plantations, earning the area the nickname “marijuana capital” of the country.

The operation involved the 1st Ilocos Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company (ISPMFC), PDEA RO1, ISPDEU, 2nd ISPMFC, PIDMU (KIMAT), RDEU1, and Sugpon PNP. Authorities found seven plantations across 6,100 square meters of mountainous terrain.

The operatives uprooted 37,800 fully grown marijuana plants, estimated to be worth P7,560,000 based on Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) assessments. After documenting and evaluating the plants, PDEA RO1 personnel burned the seized marijuana on site.

No cultivators were arrested during the operation.

PBGEN Dindo R. Reyes, regional director of PRO1, said the three-day operation underscores the police’s determination to eradicate illegal drugs in forested areas.

“Ang operasyong ito ay higit pa sa pagsira ng mga tanim na marijuana—ito ay isang paninindigan para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan at komunidad. Sa bawat halamang winawasak, muling ipinapakita ng PRO1 ang pangako nitong panatilihing ligtas at payapa ang Rehiyon Uno,” Reyes added.

("This operation is more than just destroying marijuana plants—it is a stand for the future of our youth and community. With each plant destroyed, PRO1 reaffirms its commitment to keeping Region One safe and peaceful.")