BUSTED. The packages of marijuana left by a suspect along the Poblacion–Bilagan Road in Barangay Poblacion Santol town, La Union on Monday (June 10,2024). The marijuana is estimated to be valued at PHP1.4 million. (Photo courtesy of Ilocos Police Regional Office)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Authorities seized PHP1.4 million worth of marijuana and PHP306,000 worth of suspected shabu in two operations in Pangasinan and La Union on Monday.
Ilocos Police Regional Office information office chief Lt. Col. Benigno Sumawang, in a phone interview, said the 45 grams of suspected shabu was confiscated during a buy-bust against two high-value individuals in Barangay Cauplasan Sta. Maria town, Pangasinan.
He identified the suspects by their aliases as "Kwarog", 39, farmer and regional priority target, and "Papar," 47, welder.
Meanwhile, the marijuana was confiscated during a surveillance following a tip to the authorities along the Poblacion–Bilagan Road in Barangay Poblacion Santol town, La Union.
"During the operation, they observed an individual unloading a sack, who fled upon noticing the police presence. The officers inspected the sack and discovered suspected marijuana," Sumawang said.
The suspect has been identified and efforts to locate him are ongoing, he said.
The pieces of evidence in both operations are being processed while cases are being prepared for filing.
Ilocos Police director Brig. Gen. Lou Frias Evangelista urged the public to continue cooperating with the police to ensure safety and eradicate illegal drugs in the region.
"I applaud the coordinated efforts of our men in their continued fight against illegal drugs. I also thank the public for reporting illegal activities, which helps our officers in keeping Ilocos Region a safe place," he said in a statement. (PNA)
