Sulu marijuana ‘plantation’ discovered in hunt vs Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines – Government troops and Sulu police on early Wednesday morning, November 12, discovered “marijuana plantations” in Maimbung town while conducting pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

The troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT-2), along with town police, found two lots totalling 700 square meters planted with marijuana in Sitio Kabugan, Barangay Patao in Maimbung town, according to Task Force Group Sulu Commander Alan Arrojado.

Up to 130 marijuana plants,  two to 5 feet in height with an estimated value of P500,000 (US$11,100*), were uprooted and turned over to the police. 

Arrojado said there is an ongoing investigation on whether the Abu Sayyaf Group is  running the plantation. He said this is “possible” because some Abu Sayyaf members are believed to be drug users.

He added, “Our troops recovered shabu paraphernalia like plenty of used aluminum/tin foils in the Abu Sayyaf Group encampments.” 

In October, the military and the police launched intensified law enforcement operations againt the Abu Sayyaf, a kidnap-for-ransom group keeping at least 10 local and foreign hostages. President Benigno Aquino III has vowed the elimination of the Abu Sayyaf. 

The military and the police in adjacent island Basilan also recently stepped up operations against the Abu Sayyaf following an attack that killed 6 soldiers, including a fresh graduate of the Philippine Military Academy. – Rappler.com

*$1=P45