Police destroys narcotic drugs worth Shs 3.7 billion

The Uganda Police Force yesterday started destroying seized narcotic drugs to avoid storing exhibits for too long in order to prevent associated risks that come with prolonged storage.

The destruction of these drugs took place at Nsambya police station where 105.02 kg of narcotics drugs were burned.

These included: heroin, a mixture of heroin and cocaine, 1.1 kg of cannabis among others, all estimated at Shs 3.7 billion.

Police said that in 2016, 48.36 kg of drugs were destroyed and in 2017 the amount increased to 63.4.

Grace Akullo, the director CID, said that a number of people have been arrested trying to traffic drugs through Entebbe international airport.

"They were actually exiting Entebbe international airport and the effect of narcotic drugs are enormous, sometimes we have heard loss of lives,”she said.

She stated that the impact of drug abuse can lead to crimes such as murder, rape and defilement among others.

She noted that the force is planning to beef up its aviation unit to help fight drug trafficking and drug abuse in the country.

The deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeeyi noted that the destruction of narcotic drugs is going to be a routine.

"As you recall we promised that the destruction of drugs is going to be a routine to prevent the associated risks that come along with prolonged storage and this destruction shows that we are committed to that cause," Muzeeyi said.

He noted the force and its agencies are determined to curb drug trafficking and drug abuse in the country.