Massive Marijuana Bust: PDEA Eradicates P5.1 Million Worth of Plants at Ilocos Sur-Benguet Border

In a significant crackdown on illegal drug cultivation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) obliterated marijuana plants valued at PHP5.1 million during a two-day operation straddling the Ilocos Sur and Benguet provincial line. The operation, which took place on February 19 and 20, 2025, saw the destruction of 25,200 mature marijuana plants and 3,500 seedlings spread across a 3,350-square meter plot in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, and Barangay Tacadang, Kibungan, Benguet. Despite the scale of the operation, no arrests were made. In adherence to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the plants were promptly incinerated on site. The destruction was meticulously documented and overseen by representatives from the PDEA, who also signed off on the Certificate of Destruction, ensuring compliance with legal protocols.