P1.3M marijuana seized in La Union

By Freddie G. Lazaro

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Police operatives confiscated dried marijuana leaves with an estimated worth of P1.3 million in a checkpoint operation in Barangay Bumbuneg, San Gabriel, La Union Wednesday.

Chief Insp. Baldwin Sokoken, San Gabriel chief of police, identified the suspected illegal drug transporters as Elvin Lanchenebre  Consulta, 42, of Baguio City; and a 15-year old boy, who claimed to be a son of barangay councilor in the town.

Investigation showed that the dried marijuana leaves were confiscated in a checkpoint operation conducted by the lawmen at about 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The lawmen discovered the marijuana plants when they inspected the items inside the van.

The suspects were arrested after the checkpoint operation.

Sokoken said the suspects came from the mountainous Barangay Balbalayang.

The suspects are now under police custody while appropriate charges are now being readied.