By Hilda Austria

DAGUPAN CITY – Authorities confiscated over PHP2.28 million worth of dried marijuana and arrested five high-value individuals during a buy-bust operation in Burgos town, La Union, on Saturday.
Lt. Col. Benigno Sumawang of the Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1) reported that 19 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves were seized in Barangay New Poblacion.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a 46-year-old farmer from Santol, La Union; a 33-year-old farmer from Kapangan, Benguet; a 28-year-old unemployed individual from Sugpon, Ilocos Sur; a 25-year-old jobless person from Kapangan, Benguet; and a 23-year-old student from Sugpon, Ilocos Sur.
The marijuana was packed in 19 elongated, tape-sealed packages. The evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit in San Fernando City, La Union, for examination.
The suspects are under the custody of the Burgos Municipal Police Station and facing drug charges. (PNA)