The operation was led by the District Police Commander for Koboko, SP Michael Masereka, in collaboration with the office of the Koboko District LC V Chairperson.
According to police, the operation targeted individuals suspected of cultivating opium in Ludara Sub-county, where security personnel uprooted several gardens believed to have been used for growing the prohibited crop.
One suspect, identified as Ratib Haruna, a resident of Modo Village in Bamure Parish, Ludara Sub-county, was arrested during the operation. He is currently being held at Koboko Central Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations.
Speaking on the development, the West Nile Regional Police Public Relations Officer, SSP Josephine Angucia, said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to eliminate the cultivation, production and distribution of illegal narcotic substances in the region.
“We conducted an intelligence-led operation in Ludara Sub-county and successfully destroyed gardens where opium was being cultivated. One suspect was arrested and is helping police with investigations,” Angucia said.
She warned that police would continue conducting similar operations across Koboko District and the wider West Nile region to enforce the law and curb illegal drug-related activities.
“Production, sale, consumption and possession of opium by private individuals remain illegal under the laws of Uganda. Anyone found engaging in such activities will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” she said.
Angucia also appealed to local leaders and members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing information about illegal drug cultivation and trafficking.
“We encourage members of the public to freely share information with police regarding the growing, sale or possession of opium and other illegal drugs. Such information is vital in helping us protect communities from the harmful effects associated with narcotic substances,” she added.
Police said investigations into the matter are ongoing and indicated that more intelligence-led operations are expected to be conducted in Koboko District as authorities seek to curb illegal drug production and safeguard public health and security.