P5.1-M marijuana plants uprooted in Benguet-Ilocos Sur boundary

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

DESTROYED. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents destroy PHP5.1 million worth of marijuana plants on Feb. 19 and 20, 2025 at the boundary of Ilocos Sur and Benguet provinces. The destruction was in accordance with Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Photo courtesy of PDEA)

MANILA – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed this week PHP5.1 million worth of marijuana plants in a two-day eradication operation in the boundary of Ilocos Sur and Benguet provinces.

In statement on Friday, PDEA said law enforcers uprooted 25,200 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants and 3,500 pieces of marijuana seedlings in a 3,350-square meter land area in Barangay Licungan in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur and Barangay Tacadang in Kibungan, Benguet on Feb. 19 and 20.

Nobody was arrested in the operation.

In compliance with Section 21 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the uprooted marijuana plants were immediately burned and destroyed onsite, PDEA said.

The destruction process was documented and witnessed by representatives of the operating units, who signed the Certificate of Destruction.