By KT Reporter
Security personnel in Kotido district have arrested two suspected Karamojong warriors for transporting illicit crude gin. The suspects identified as Paul Aleper, aged 20, a resident of Kaidila village in Lokomebu Sub County and Chilla Loriet, aged 27, a resident of Rengen sub-county, were intercepted at Nakwanamoru checkpoint while carrying the illicit gin on a bicycle.
Mike Longole, the Mt Moroto police spokesperson, noted that when the security searched one of the suspects’ phones, they found a photo of him posing with the gun, raising concerns that the individuals may be armed and involved in criminal activities.
Longole said that both suspects are currently in custody and will appear in court to face the charges. He explained that the suspects will face charges related to the transportation of illicit liquor and possession of illegal firearms.
Longole reiterated that the operation highlights their commitment to enforcing laws and regulations governing the transportation and sale of illicit waragi, as well as the efforts to protect the communities from potential threats.
In the related development, the security forces have also impounded over 60 bags of charcoal in the last two days of operations in Nakapiripirit district.
The operation is part of the ongoing efforts to enforce Presidential Executive Order No. 03, banning the illegal transportation of charcoal outside the Karamoja sub-region. The security team has been conducting a charcoal offloading operation at Kawach checkpoint, located at Pian Game Reserve.
Longole said that they have so far offloaded a total of 60 bags of charcoal from various modes of transportation, including motorcycles, vehicles, buses and individuals carrying on their heads. He said that the operation aims to curb the transportation and sale of charcoal in the region.
Longole said that the charcoal is currently being held at Kawach checkpoint, pending collection and further management by the National Forestry Authority (NFA).
Longole explained that the NFA will take custody of the offloaded charcoal and implement further actions according to existing regulations and guidelines.
He warned that the team shall continue to monitor and enforce compliance with Executive Order No. 03, working to prevent the unauthorised transportation and sale of charcoal in the region.
‘’We appreciate the support and cooperation of relevant stakeholders in our efforts to enforce environmental regulations and promote sustainable practices,’’ Longole said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
