PDEA destroys P48.9M worth of marijuana in Ilocos Sur, Benguet

Successive anti-drug operations led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office I (PDEA RO I) resulted in the destruction of large-scale marijuana plantations valued at more than P48.9 million in the mountainous areas of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, and the disputed boundary of Kibungan, Benguet.

From 27 to 30 January 2026, PDEA RO I, through its Regional Special Enforcement Team, carried out a series of marijuana eradication missions targeting plantation sites located in hard-to-reach terrain. The operations were conducted in close coordination with the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office, headed by Police Col. Agosto Asuncion, and various local police units.

The first operation, conducted from 27 to 28 January in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, led to the discovery and destruction of about 46,750 fully grown marijuana plants cultivated across several plantation sites covering roughly 10,450 square meters. The plants were estimated to be worth P9.35 million.

Eradication efforts continued from 28 to 29 January at the disputed boundary of Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, and Barangay Tacadang, Kibungan, Benguet. Joint operatives uprooted and destroyed approximately 64,850 fully grown marijuana plants planted over an estimated 15,400 square meters of rugged terrain, with an estimated value of P12.97 million.

From 29 to 30 January, authorities discovered another extensive marijuana plantation in the same boundary area covering about 28,950 square meters. A total of 126,900 fully grown marijuana plants and around 10 kilograms of dried marijuana were destroyed, with an estimated value of P26.58 million.

PDEA RO I Regional Director Atty. Benjamin G. Gaspi said the three operations led to the destruction of a total of 238,500 marijuana plants with a combined estimated value of P48.9 million, preventing large quantities of illegal drugs from reaching communities, particularly the youth.