MOSCOW, September 9 (RIA Novosti) - Police in the east of a southern Russian republic, Ingushetia, have discovered a large cannabis plantation, the republic's Interior Ministry said Friday.

The ministry said the plantation covered more than a hectare. "According to policemen, more than 8,000 plants were growing in the field. The total weight of the drug after harvesting would have been about three metric tons," a ministry source said.

A large amount of ammunition for small arms was also found near the field. An investigation is under way.