Troops destroy Afghan drug-making facility

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. military says Afghan commandoes and coalition forces destroyed more than 44 tons of hashish at a drug-making facility in Kandahar province Monday.

The combined forces were conducting a search of an area known for insurgent activities when the drug-making facility was discovered, the military reported.

Col. Greg Julian, a spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said the discovery highlights the link between Taliban insurgents and drug trafficking.

"The huge amount of drugs destroyed today will greatly hinder the Taliban's ability to fund their ongoing, hopeless struggle to subjugate the Afghan people," Julian said.