TROOPS have uprooted some P2.4 million worth of marijuana plants in a joint law enforcement operation in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official said.
Major General Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) commander, said the marijuana, consisting of 1,200 plants, were uprooted Sunday, September 8, in Sitio Kasigputan in the village of Pang, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu.
Vinluan said one person, believed to be the caretaker, was arrested, while an M-16 Armalite rifle was seized from the suspect.
Vinluan said the suspect, whose name was withheld, and the rifle were turned over to police for appropriate action.
He said the joint law enforcement operation was carried out by the Marine Battalion Landing Team-7, Kalingalan Caluang police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
"This is a manifestation that this unit (JTFS) and the law enforcement agencies of Sulu are working together to promote peace and prevent any lawless activities which can derail the peace and development of the province," Vinluan said. (SunStar Philippines)