The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Seventeen suspects are in police custody in Mbale city for cultivating and selling marijuana. The suspects were picked up in a security operation conducted in Kiteso, Buyonjo, Wasufu, and Mpumude cells in Mbale City Northern Division, led by the Division Police Commander, John Byamugisha.
According to Byamugisha, the operations will continue in all areas where the cultivation and selling of marijuana are prevalent. He explains that during the operations, they destroyed several marijuana gardens and impounded some that had already been harvested as exhibits.
Byamugisha declined to reveal the identities of the suspects for fear of jeopardizing operations to find their accomplices. He linked substance abuse to the escalation of crimes such as murder, rape, and theft.
John Wanzala, a resident of Kiteso cell in Namakwekwe ward has welcomed the operation, saying it will help to curb the increasing crime levels in the area. He says that several youths in his area resort to smoking marijuana early in the morning as they plan to break into residents homes.
Under the Penal Code Act, persons found guilty in possession of illicit drugs like marijuana are jailed for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 25 years with the option of a fine. Sections 47(1) and 61 of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act prohibit unlawful possession and smoking of narcotics.
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