Ilocos: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 in Ilocos has successfully confiscated suspected shabu and marijuana worth an estimated PHP20.59 million through various operations conducted across four provinces from September 1 to 30.

According to Philippines News Agency, data from the regional police revealed that the seized substances included 1,102.58 grams of suspected shabu, 122.38 grams of dried marijuana, 52,910 fully grown marijuana plants, and 62,610 marijuana seedlings. These were confiscated during 179 operations in the region.

The breakdown of the confiscated illegal drugs shows PHP187,680 worth in Ilocos Norte, PHP13.5 million in Ilocos Sur, PHP995,086 in La Union, PHP4 million in Pangasinan, PHP1.46 million in Dagupan City, and PHP353,600 from various operations conducted by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit.

The operations included 135 buy-bust actions, 18 search warrant implementations, 13 police responses, and 18 services of warrants of arrest. In one of the most significant operations, PRO-1 operatives conducted four marijuana eradication drives in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, uprooting and burning 52,910 fully grown marijuana plants and 62,610 seedlings, valued at around PHP13 million. These activities spanned over 21 plantations, covering a total land area of 11,415 square meters.

The accomplishments underscore PRO-1's strengthened campaign against illegal drugs, integrating law enforcement actions, community involvement at the grassroots level, and inter-agency coordination.