SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 1 and the La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) conducted drug operations in Santol and Rosario, La Union, on Jan. 13, leading to the recovery of over 73 kilograms of marijuana and nearly P100,000 worth of shabu.
The operations marked a significant development in the region’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, furthering Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which aims to combat the production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs.
In Santol, La Union, a search operation on the said date resulted in the confiscation of 73 packages of suspected marijuana, with an estimated value of more than P8 million.
The drugs were found in an abandoned Mitsubishi Delica vehicle, which had been abandoned by two suspects, who evaded arrest and remain at large.
PDEA 1 Regional Director Joel Plaza explained the series of events leading up to the operation, shedding light on the careful surveillance that led to the successful operation.
“The suspects were subjected to land interdiction on January 10, 2025, but have sensed the operatives and abandoned their vehicle, to which the PDEA operative watched over for days until the release of the search warrant today,” Plaza said.
Plaza further explained that the focus of their operations is not only on making arrests but on taking proactive steps to eliminate the supply chain of illegal drugs.
The marijuana haul is one of the largest in recent months, reflecting authorities’ intensified efforts to address the persistent drug problem.
The seized vehicle is now under investigation to determine its connection to the larger network involved in the distribution of illegal drugs.
Community’s role in anti-drug efforts
The community’s role in the seizure was crucial, with local officials from Barangay Ramot, along with other local representatives, participating in the proper documentation and inventory of the seized items.
The involvement of local officials and other representatives highlights the collaborative approach being adopted by authorities, fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
In a separate buy-bust operation in Rosario town, another drug personality was arrested after being caught with P95,200 worth of suspected shabu.
The operation, which involved the PDEA 1, LUPPO, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Intelligence Unit, led to the seizure of additional evidence, including cash, a motorcycle, and other drug-related paraphernalia.
Collaborative approach in anti-illegal drugs campaign
This series of successful operations reflects a broader regional strategy focused on eliminating illegal drug distribution networks.
The combined efforts of PDEA, local police, and the community have paved the way for a more coordinated and sustained fight against drugs.
With these recent successes, authorities are optimistic about further strengthening their anti-drug operations, working with communities to reduce drug-related harm, and ensuring the security and health of future generations. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
