Aug 03 2012 |
more articles from
|
Lebanese marijuana growers fight security forces, two hurt
BEIRUT, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Armed Lebanese farmers clashed on Friday with security forces trying to destroy their illegal marijuana crops in the eastern Bekaa Valley, wounding two soldiers and damaging two of their vehicles, witnesses said.
It was the second confrontation in two weeks between Bekaa farmers and security forces who have been using tractors to crush the marijuana plants.
The witnesses and a security source said an officer had been
During Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, the fertile Bekaa Valley produced up to 1,000 tonnes of cannabis resin annually and 30 to 50 tonnes of opium, used to make heroin.
More recent statistics from the United Nations consider Lebanon to be among the top five countries that produce cannabis resin, used to produce the drug hashish.
Security forces regularly try to destroy marijuana crops but face resistance from farmers who see the lucrative and easy-to-grow crop as providing valuable income for their impoverished community.
(Writing by Dominic Evans; Editing by Alessandra Rizzo)
((Dominic.J.Evans@Thomsonreuters.com)(Reuters Messaging: Dominic.J.Evans.Thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
Keywords: LEBANON CLASHES/DRUGS
© Copyright Zawya. All Rights Reserved.



Post Your Comment