Gov’t forces stumble on marijuana plantation in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines—Combined police and military forces in Sulu stumbled on Wednesday a marijuana plantation in the province.

Marijuana plants. AP FILE PHOTO

The plantation was discovered in sitio (sub-village) Kabugan, Pantao village in Maimbung town by troops from Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 and Maimbung police around 6 a.m., said Joint Task Group commander Colonel Alan Arrojado.

Authorities seized about 130 pieces of two-five feet marijuana plants with a market of about P500,000.

The marijuana plants were turned over to Maimbung police for investigation, Arrojado said.

The military is also conducting law enforcement operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu. Arrojado said they are looking into the possibility that the Abu Sayyaf is linked to the plantation.

“Under investigation pa namin kung involved ang ASG (Abu Sayyaf group), but certainly possible because they are drug users,” he said.