Pubdate: Sun, 23 Oct 2005 Source: Sunstar Zamboanga (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Sunstar Zamboanga. Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2987 Author: Al Jacinto Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines TROOPS DESTROY SAYYAF 'CANNABIS' FARM IN SULU ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Troops tracking down Abu Sayyaf militants have tumbled into a large marijuana plantation in the southern Philippine island of Jolo, Sulu, officials said Saturday. Officials said troops discovered the illegal plantation in the hinterland village of Patao in Maimbung town, where security forces were tracking down the Abu Sayyaf. More soldiers and policemen were sent to the villages to secure the plantation, as troops combed the area for bombs or booby traps. No arrest was made, but officials said security forces destroyed the plantation, believed owned by the Abu Sayyaf militants tied to the al-Qaeda. "At least 3,000 fully grown marijuana plants were uprooted and soldiers destroyed the plantation," said the Southern Command information chief, Army Major Gamal Hayudini. He said the seized marijuana plants were handed over by the military and police to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Southern Command Chief, Lieutenant General Edilberto Adan on Saturday lauded the soldiers for the discovery of the plantation and urged citizens in Jolo island to help authorities by providing information about illegal drugs. "This is every body's concern and we should all stand up and unite to fight the drug menace," Adan said. - ---