Police in Koboko District have destroyed a marijuana garden during an intelligence-led operation targeting illegal cultivation of opium in Ludara Sub-county. The operation, conducted over the weekend, was led by the District Police Commander (DPC), SP Masereka Michael, with support from the Koboko District LC5 Chairperson. Security personnel uprooted the cannabis plants and arrested one suspect, identified as Ratib Haruna, a resident of Modo Village, Bamure Parish in Ludara Sub-county.
Police say the operation followed intelligence reports indicating the cultivation of illegal narcotic plants in the area, which are allegedly traded across borders into the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and other parts of Uganda, including Kampala. West Nile Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed the operation, saying the suspect was taken into custody to assist with investigations.
“The suspect’s garden was found with a lot of overgrown opium plants, which, according to sources, is sold to DR Congo, South Sudan, and some is transported and sold in Kampala,” Angucia said. Authorities noted that under Ugandan law, the production, sale, possession, and consumption of narcotic substances such as marijuana is prohibited, and offenders face arrest and prosecution.
Police said similar operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug cultivation in the West Nile region, where such farming is reportedly widespread in border districts-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
