Nine individuals were arrested while more than P2.49 million worth of suspected illegal drugs were seized in separate anti-illegal drug operations conducted by the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1) across the Ilocos Region from 15 to 21 August 2026.

PRO 1 operatives recovered a total of 365.519 grams of suspected shabu and 36.3 grams of dried marijuana leaves, with a combined estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P2,489,885.20.

Among the notable operations was a buy-bust conducted in Calasiao, Pangasinan, on August 19, resulting in the arrest of a 46-year-old suspect.

Police recovered around 116.57 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect, with an estimated SDP of P792,676.00. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1.

PRO 1 Regional Director PBGEN Jovencio S. Badua Jr. stressed the importance of sustained law enforcement operations in curbing the distribution of illegal drugs and protecting communities across the region.

“Ang ilegal na droga ay patuloy na banta sa ating mga pamilya at komunidad. Kaya mahalaga ang bawat operasyon upang mapigilan ang pagkalat nito at mapanatili ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan. Mananatili tayong determinado sa pagpapatupad ng batas,” Badua said.

PRO 1 said it will continue to intensify anti-illegal drug operations and strengthen coordination with other law enforcement agencies to prevent the spread of illegal drugs and maintain peace and security throughout the Ilocos Region.