Police arrest 35 in Jinja city for drug abuse

Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police in the Kiira region have arrested 35 people for drug abuse.

The suspects were arrested on Friday during operations to crack down on persons who are using narcotic drugs. The operations were carried out along Lubas Road, Clive Road East, Aldina cell and Oboja Road, all in the South division.

Their arrest followed complaints from traders, who accused the suspects of either selling or using the prohibited drugs that included marijuana, Khat and aviation fuels among others.

The suspects were also accused of wreaking havoc in the area by either insulting or physically attacking city residents.

Annet Nakawoma, a hardware shop operator along Clive Road East says that some of the marijuana smokers waylay their clients and rob unspecified amounts of money from them.

Latif Mukungu, a supermarket attendant in the area says that some traders have been forced to relocate their businesses to safer areas.

Susan Nabwire, a food vendor along Lubas Road says that the operation was long overdue and they are hopeful of reviving their businesses.

Kiira regional police spokesperson, James Mubi said that the suspects had become a public nuisance in the city.  He added that the suspects will face two counts of drug abuse and public nuisance.

Mubi further challenged individuals struggling with drug abuse to seek both counselling and rehabilitation services from government health facilities.

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