Oyam District – In a bold move to combat the escalating drug abuse and related crimes, the Oyam district police have launched a rigorous operation to dismantle the marijuana trade in the area. The intensified crackdown, led by IP Riomoi Terence, has resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of marijuana and the arrest of a key cultivator, Owiny Denis.
The operation, which is part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of crime in the region, has received mixed reactions from the community. While some have welcomed the police action, others have expressed concerns about the economic implications of the crackdown.
According to SP Edison Muhangi, the Oyam District Police Commander, the marijuana trade is linked to a range of crimes, including murder, rape, and defilement. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to address drug abuse and urged local leaders to unite in the fight against social vices.
The recent arrest of Owiny Denis, a local resident who was cultivating marijuana in his fields, marks a significant step in the district’s efforts to curb the spread of the drug. Denis will face charges related to the cultivation, trade, and consumption of an illegal drug.
The community’s response to the crackdown has been varied. Hellen Acio, the LC1 chairperson of Barabolo village, expressed concern over the high rate of marijuana cultivation, trade, and consumption among the youth. She called for a shift towards the cultivation of legal crops and urged young people to abandon the illegal trade.
On the other hand, Dillish Akello, Denis’s wife, offered an apology on behalf of her family. She explained that they were cultivating marijuana under the misconception that it treated diarrhoea in goats. Akello promised that they would not grow marijuana again, expressing regret for their involvement in the illegal activity.
The police operation in Oyam district is a timely response to the growing concerns over drug abuse and its associated crimes. The recent tragic incident in Acan Pii Parish, Loro Sub County, where a 22-year-old man, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, murdered his stepfather, highlights the urgency of the situation.
As the police continue their crackdown on the marijuana trade, the community’s cooperation and the leadership’s proactive stance will be crucial in sustaining these efforts and achieving long-term positive outcomes. By addressing the cultivation and consumption of illegal drugs, Oyam district aims to create a safer environment for its residents.
Credit: Chris Owoo(vol.co.ug)…