Police destroy 10 acres of Mariajuana in Napak

Police have  destroyed a garden of marijuana measuring over 10 acres at  Alikilek Village, Iriiri Subcounty, Napak District.

“We acted on reliable intelligence and conducted a raid on these illegal farms. This is one of the largest seizures we have seen in recent years,” said Napak District Police Commander, SP. Wilfred Waigo.

“The scale of this operation shows just how determined these cartels are to continue their drug supply.”

Despite the operation’s success, authorities face a new challenge as  the owners managed to flee before police could make any arrests.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t capture anyone during the raid. The suspects escaped and remain at large, but we are pursuing leads to bring them in,” Waigo explained.

As tons of marijuana were loaded onto trucks and transported to the Napak Police Station, plans were set to publicly destroy the confiscated plants with local leaders and community members watching.

“We want to show the public that we are serious about eradicating drugs from our communities. Destroying these plants in front of local leaders sends a strong message to those involved in these activities,” Mike Longole, Karamoja Police spokesperson said.

However, authorities believe the problem may be larger than a single plantation.

“We suspect other villages nearby are also growing marijuana for the cartel,” said DPC Waigo.

“We are coordinating with sister forces the UPDF to increase our manpower and resources. With support, we hope to dismantle the entire network.”

Local leaders and residents have praised the police’s action but remain concerned about the cartel’s influence.

“Our community has been suffering under the effects of these illegal drugs,” said Peter Lokoru, a resident of Alekilek Village.

“We hope that with the police’s continued efforts, the people involved in this will be brought to justice, and our youth will no longer be enticed by drug consumption.”

The police are urging the public to provide any information on the whereabouts of the suspects to help conclude the investigation.