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Health worker arrested in Arua with suspected stolen government medicines

A health information officer attached to Odobu Health Centre II in Madi-Okollo District has been arrested after police allegedly recovered assorted medicines marked as government property from her luggage at a bus…

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ARUA — A health information officer attached to Odobu Health Centre II in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, Madi-Okollo District, has been arrested after police allegedly found her with assorted government medicines while she was preparing to travel to Kampala.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday at about 9:00am by Crime Intelligence officers conducting routine checks at YY Coach Bus Terminal in Muru Cell, Pangisa Ward, Central Division, Arua City.

According to West Nile Regional Police spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, officers intercepted the suspect as she was boarding a bus and discovered several boxes and tins of medicines labelled "Property of Government of Uganda – Not for Sale."

"The suspect was arrested after Crime Intelligence officers conducting routine checks on travellers recovered assorted medicines labelled as government property from her luggage. She was subsequently taken into custody to assist with investigations," Angucia said.

Police said the recovered medicines included Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem), Paracetamol tablets, Amoxicillin capsules, Chlorphenamine (Piriton) tablets, Doxycycline capsules, Ciprofloxacin tablets, Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (Fansidar), Albendazole tablets and Clotrimazole vaginal tablets.

The exhibits were recorded under Arua City Central Business Division Station Diary Reference 55/08/07/2026 before the suspect and the recovered medicines were handed over to Madi-Okollo District Police for further investigations.

Angucia commended the Crime Intelligence officers for their vigilance, saying the operation prevented suspected government medical supplies from being unlawfully moved out of the area.

"We commend our Crime Intelligence officers for their alertness and professionalism. Their vigilance led to the recovery of government stores and the arrest of the suspect. Investigations are ongoing to establish how the medicines were obtained and whether other individuals could be involved," she said.

She warned public servants and members of the public against the misuse or illegal possession of government supplies.

"Government medicines are procured to serve the public free of charge. Anyone found diverting or unlawfully possessing such supplies will face the full force of the law," Angucia said.

Police have not yet preferred charges against Amadroru as investigations continue to establish the source of the medicines and whether other individuals were involved.

The recovered drugs remain in police custody as exhibits.