Marijuana, guns seized in Ilocos Sur

SUGPON, Ilocos Sur — Elements of the Special Operation Group-Regional Intelligence Investigation Division, Sugpon police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed P36.4 million worth of marijuana seized in at least 24 sites totaling 5.5 hectares in sitio Nava, Nagawa, Nacneng, Bekes, Mt. Kuba Barangay Caoayan here.

Senior Superintendent Marlou Cortez Chan, head of the SOG-RIID Region 1, said the troops uprooted more or less 168,000 fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated value of P33.6 million, and marijuana seedlings worth P2.8 million.

The troops also confiscated a caliber 30 M1 Garand Rifle, four dynamite sticks, 12 blasting caps, a hand grenade, three meter detonating cords and eight clips of Garand ammunition.

The suspected marijuana cultivators, Santos and Pepito Alkadis, were not around during the raid but police said charges will be filed against them for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerouis Drugs Act and RA 8294 or the Anti-Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives. — Vic Alhambra Jr. and Jun Elias