Two suspected high-value drug personalities were arrested after authorities seized around five kilograms of dried marijuana worth an estimated P600,000 during a border interdiction operation in Alilem, Ilocos Sur on Friday, 10 July.

The operation was conducted in Barangay Alilem Daya by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1–Ilocos Sur Provincial Office in coordination with the Alilem Municipal Police Station, the Ilocos Sur Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit.

Arrested were aliases "Mel," 22, a farmer, and "Zel," 21, both single and residents of Barangay Kayapa, Bakun, Benguet.

Authorities said the suspects were caught in possession of five large plastic-wrapped elongated bundles of dried marijuana leaves concealed inside a white rice sack and a yellow plastic crate.

Also recovered during the operation were one genuine P1,000 bill placed on top of 124 pieces of P1,000 boodle money, two motorcycles believed to have been used for transport, two mobile phones, a driver's license, and a wallet.

The confiscated marijuana has an estimated standard drug price of P600,000.

Investigators are preparing charges against the suspects for alleged violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) in relation to Section 26 (Conspiracy) of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PDEA Regional Office 1 Director Julius M. Paderes said the successful operation highlights the agency's intensified efforts to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the Ilocos Region.

"This successful high-impact operation is a testament to our tightening grip on the transit routes of illegal drugs entering Region I. By intercepting these bulk shipments right at border boundary lines like Alilem, we are effectively disrupting the supply chain before these dangerous substances can flood our local communities," Paderes said.

He added that PDEA will continue strengthening border interdiction operations and coordination with the Philippine National Police to prevent drug couriers from using entry points into the region.