Gadafi Ocen, the suspected leading producer of the banned substance, marijuana in Lira City, is in police custody. He was arrested on Monday evening following a security meeting held in Apii-pe cell, Barapwo ward in Lira City West Division, during which he, alongside other people, was voted by the community for consuming harmful substances and engaging in criminal activities such as stealing property and raping women in the area.
Subsequently, Lira Resident City Commissioner, Emmy Lawrence Egole, ordered their immediate arrest. Ocen Gadafi and Acunge Innocent were picked up together, but when security reached Ocen’s home, another person, Oscar Oluk, was found hiding in the ceiling board.
Security recovered housebreaking implements, different grades of marijuana packed separately, a military boot, and discovered a big garden of marijuana. Egole explained that security had intelligence about Gadafi growing and selling marijuana that is why a search was mounted at his home.
According to Egole, security will maintain presence in Barapwo until all the suspects identified by the locals are arrested. Adding that on several occasions, Gadafi was arrested and later released by the police under unclear circumstances, promising that that will not happen again.
Similarly, Emmanuel Ebong Opeto, mayor of the Lira City West Division, explained that Gadafi has been a notorious criminal in the area, praying that he should be tried in a military court as he was found in possession of government stores. He also warned other youths against abusing drugs and alcohol, which in most cases lands them in trouble.
Meanwhile, residents of Apii-pe cell say the high rate of crime in their area has affected their livelihoods, as people cannot live freely nor invest in productive ventures like animal rearing for fear of it being stolen by thieves. They have appealed to security to consider reinstating a police Post in that area to help with night patrol.
Last week, security in Kwania district mounted a similar operation during which they arrested 16 suspected criminals and recovered marijuana, opium and several breaking implements that were secured as evidence. Their case files were submitted to the Resident State Attorney for guidance on the appropriate charges, including matters relating to the possession and smoking of opium.
