Mega Fm & Agency
Police in Kitgum District have arrested 26 people in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected drug abuse and dealing in opium, marijuana and khat in Kitgum Municipality.
The suspects were arrested during a three-hour operation conducted by Kitgum Central Police Station between 3 pm and 6 pm on Tuesday.
Police reportedly recovered large quantities of dry opium and khat, locally known as mairungi, from several locations.
Kitgum District Police Commander Benedict Igama said 18 of the 26 suspects remained in custody after initial screening and were expected to appear before the Kitgum Magistrate’s Court by Friday.
Igama said the 18 suspects were facing charges related to possession of opium, adding that some of those still in custody had previously served prison sentences for various offences.
He said the operation targeted locations identified through intelligence as suspected centres of drug consumption and distribution.
According to Igama, police recovered substantial quantities of opium believed to have been transported from neighbouring sub-counties for distribution within the municipality.
