Three Men Detained Over Opium Growing in Terego District

SP Josephine Angucia, Spokesperson West Nile Region

Police in Terego have arrested three suspects over claims of illegal growing of opium in the sub county of Katrini, following a tip off from the locals.

The suspects who are in custody at the Terego Central Police Station, will be charged with production or being in possession of opium if found guilty.

According to the SP Josephine Angucia the spokesperson West Nile Region,  the suspects have been identified as Patrick Ciika 20, Godfrey Ogama 20, and  Yona Aziku 56 all peasants residing in Obayiya village, Anavu Parish, Katrini Sub county.

“Opium is classified as a drug, its possession is restricted and sold at strict rules and regulations,” said the SP Angucia.

She asked the public to desist from growing such substances that are harmful, and may cause a lot of negative effects to one’s health, contribute to serious crimes in society, and noted that it is against the law for private individuals to sell, transact in or consume opium.

“All the gardens that had grown the opium were destroyed by police and exhibits taken to police,” revealed the police spokesperson.

The residents and the local council chairman who reported the widespread growth of the plant in the district were relieved once the suspects were arrested, as they had been under pressure of living with criminals in their society.

“We are overjoyed that Police has taken action because these young men had become hooligans and were threatening our society,” a resident of Katrini stated.

In 2021, Omar Amuku 52, confessed to the crime of growing and trading in opium and was arrested in the same district from Onayi parish Aii-vu sub county growing opium on a piece of acre which was destroyed.

The residents of Terego are worried about the rising number of people growing and trading in opium as a source of income, instead of growing other perennial crops.