Kitagwenda, Uganda: Police in Kitagwenda District, working jointly with officials from the National Drug Authority (NDA), have launched investigations into a suspected illegal veterinary drug manufacturing and distribution network following the discovery of a clandestine production site in the district.
The operation was triggered by the arrest of a boda boda rider in neighbouring Ibanda District who was allegedly transporting suspected counterfeit veterinary drugs.
According to Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the suspect, identified as Turyaguma Amos, was intercepted while carrying four sacks containing forty 5-litre jerricans filled with a green liquid believed to be counterfeit acaricide.
During preliminary interrogation, Turyaguma reportedly told investigators that the products belonged to Tayebwa Julius, a resident of Kitagwenda District who is suspected to be operating an illegal veterinary drug manufacturing facility.
Acting on the information, a joint team of Police officers and NDA officials conducted a search operation on June 20 at Tayebwa’s premises in Rwentuha Village, Kitagwenda District.
The search yielded a large quantity of materials believed to have been used in the production and packaging of counterfeit veterinary drugs.
Among the recovered items were suspected chemical powders, plastic packaging materials, labelling stickers, white crystalline substances, and several empty drums believed to have been used during the manufacturing process.
Investigators revealed that the suspected production site was located in an isolated area and that some of the materials had been deliberately concealed under beds and inside the ceiling of the premises in what authorities believe was an attempt to evade detection.
“The operation led to the recovery of suspected chemical powders, plastic packaging materials, labelling stickers, white crystalline substances, and empty drums believed to have been used in the production process,” ACP Kituuma said.
Police say the prime suspect fled before the operation and remains on the run.
Efforts are currently underway to trace and arrest Tayebwa along with any other individuals who may have been involved in the suspected illegal operation.
Authorities have warned farmers and livestock keepers against purchasing veterinary drugs from unlicensed dealers, noting that counterfeit products pose significant risks to animal health, agricultural productivity, and public safety.
Police and the NDA have urged members of the public to buy veterinary medicines only from authorised outlets and to avoid products that appear suspicious, poorly labelled, or unusually packaged.
Anyone with information regarding illegal drug manufacturing activities or the sale of suspected counterfeit veterinary products has been asked to report to the nearest Police station or NDA office.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
