Nwoya, Uganda: A joint operation by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has led to the arrest of five suspects and the destruction of four acres of marijuana in Paminyai Subcounty, Nwoya District.
ASP David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrests and said the suspects are believed to be part of a trafficking syndicate supplying marijuana to South Sudan through illegal border routes and to consumers in Gulu City.
“The operation was part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks dealing in narcotic drugs. We are committed to sustaining these operations until all such cells are neutralized,” said ASP Mudong.
The three-day joint crackdown targeted illegal cannabis cultivators and traffickers believed to be using Nwoya and neighboring districts as transit corridors.
Authorities also disclosed that case files are being compiled by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and evidence will be presented to the Resident State Attorney for legal action. The suspects are expected to face charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
Enacted in 2023, the revised Act permits the cultivation of marijuana and khat solely for medical, scientific, and export purposes under strict licensing. Unauthorized cultivation, possession, trafficking, or use of narcotics remains a criminal offense punishable by up to 10 years in jail, fines of up to UGX 1 billion, and confiscation of property.
The crackdown in Nwoya comes amid intensified national enforcement of Uganda’s anti-drug laws as authorities move to stamp out trafficking networks and protect communities from illicit substance abuse.
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