Police uproots marijuana grown in Oyam district

17 June 2024, 9:47 am

The territorial police in Oyam district have launched a major crackdown on marijuana trade, led by IP Riomoi Terence. During the operation, a substantial amount of marijuana was confiscated, and a key cultivator, Owiny Denis, was arrested.

By Chris Woo

Oyam

The territorial police in Oyam district have launched a significant operation against marijuana trade. The initial operation, led by IP Riomoi Terence, the officer in charge of operations in Oyam district, resulted in the uprooting of enough marijuana to fill a police patrol pickup vehicle.

Owiny Denis, who had cultivated the illicit drug in Barabolo, Adee Parish, Otwal Subcounty, Oyam district, was also arrested. Police stated that he will be charged with the cultivation, trade, and consumption of an illegal drug.

Hellen Acio, the LC1 chairperson of Barabolo village decried high rate of cultivation, trade and consumption of marijuana in her area among youth, calling on them to embrace growing of other legal crops.

Dillish Akello, the wife of Owiny Denis, who was arrested for cultivating marijuana, stated that they were growing the crop because they were told it treats diarrhoea in goats. She apologised and promised not to grow marijuana again.

Oyam District Police Commander, SP Edison Muhangi, attributed crimes such as murder, rape, and defilement to drug abuse, drunkenness, and land disputes. He called upon various leaders to join forces in combating these issues.

Last week, a 22 year old man, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, killed his stepfather, who had inherited his mother, in Acan Pii Parish, Loro Subcounty, Oyam district.