Police destroy opium gardens, arrest suspect in Koboko
Police also arrested Ratib Haruna, an adult male and resident of Modo Village in Bamure Parish, Ludara Sub-county, in connection with the cultivation of the illegal crop.
Koboko: Police in Koboko District have destroyed illegal opium gardens and arrested one suspect during an intelligence-led operation aimed at combating narcotics production in the area.
The operation, conducted on June 19, 2026, took place in Ludara Sub-county and was led by the Koboko District Police Commander, SP Michael Masereka, in collaboration with the district LC5 Chairperson.
According to SSP Josephine Angucia, the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, the joint security team successfully uprooted several gardens of opium during the operation.
Police also arrested Ratib Haruna, an adult male and resident of Modo Village in Bamure Parish, Ludara Sub-county, in connection with the cultivation of the illegal crop.
SSP Angucia said security agencies will continue carrying out similar operations across the district to curb the production and trafficking of opium.
“It should be noted that production, sale, consumption and possession of opium by private individuals is illegal. Whoever deals in it will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law,” Angucia warned.
She urged members of the public and local leaders to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing information about individuals involved in opium cultivation and other narcotics-related activities.
“We encourage the public to continue sharing information with police regarding the cultivation and distribution of opium so that appropriate action can be taken,” she added.
The operation comes amid continued efforts by the Uganda Police Force to tackle drug-related crimes across the country.
According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, a total of 1,569 cases involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were registered in 2025, compared to 2,240 cases recorded in 2024, representing a 30 percent reduction.
Despite the decline, police remain concerned about the continued infiltration of narcotics into schools, homes and communities, warning that drug abuse poses a significant threat to public health, security and social development.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against illegal drug cultivation and trafficking while strengthening community awareness and reporting mechanisms to eliminate the vice.
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