NBI raids marijuana plantation

MANILA, Philippines —  Marijuana plants valued at over P2 million were destroyed in a raid conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and La Union Police Mobile Force in the boundaries of La Union and Ilocos Sur provinces last week.

The raid is in line with the order of NBI Director Jaime Santiago to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs in the country.

Santiago had ordered the NBI-Ilocos regional office and its district offices in Laoag and Vigan cities to act on an intelligence report on a marijuana plantation within the boundaries of La Union, Ilocos Sur and Benguet provinces.

According to Santiago, the NBI, PDEA and police operatives traversed on foot for over nine hours hazardous mountain trails to reach Barangay Licungan in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur where the plantation was located.

The marijuana cultivators were allegedly able to flee upon seeing the approaching operatives.

Representatives from PDEA estimated the value of the uprooted marijuana plants, burned on site, to be at P2.25 million.

Santiago commended the operatives for their “undying commitment in discharging their sworn duties despite the challenges they have encountered during the operation.”

He also expressed gratitude to the Philippine National Police and PDEA for supporting the NBI operation, emphasizing the importance of smooth collaboration and coordination among law enforcement agencies.