ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Philippine Marine troops have uncovered a PHP3.6 million marijuana plantation in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official said Saturday.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the plantation was discovered Wednesday by troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 (MBLT-7) in Barangay Masjid Punjungan, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu.
Sobejana said the MBLT-7 troops were conducting combat operations when they stumbled upon the marijuana plantation that has an estimated value of PHP3.6 million.
He said the marijuana plantation is about 1,800 sq.m. and is located within the residential area belonging to one Adzhar Jumaidim Mundoc.
Mundoc was not around when the troops descended on his property.
Sobejana said the 37th Marine Company of the MBLT-7 cordoned off the area and coordinated with the barangay officials of Masjid Punjungan to determine the owner of the plantation.
The MBLT-7, he said, also coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) - Sulu for the proper disposition of the marijuana plantation.
“Our peace efforts do not only focus on ending terrorism but as well as addressing its root causes, which include the campaign against illegal drugs,” he said.
“Congratulations to the marine troopers for this very commendable accomplishment,” he added. (PNA)
