21 arrested over illegal sale of drugs in shift markets

SOROTI– The National Drug Authority [NDA] has arrested at least 21 people in Teso Sub-region over the illegal sale of drugs in shift markets, despite the drug experts issuing several warnings.

NDA concluded a six-day operation in the region targeting shift markets such as kasilo, Osuk, Lwala, Obalanga, Wera, serere, Ngora, Amukaru, and Brookes corner among others.

According to Samuel Kyomukama, NDA head of enforcement operations, one Sarah Achero and other suspects were arrested for illegal possession, displaying, selling, and advertising human, veterinary and herbal medicines.

During a press briefing on Friday, Kyomukama said they had warned the communities over drug hawking during the sensitisation and will continue to implore the public to desist from buying drugs from markets.

Kyomukama called upon the leadership in the markets to play their role in eliminating this vice. “We wish to continue working with the leadership of Teso to fight the vice,” he said.

William Ogwang, Soroti City health educator, encouraged the communities to always buy medicines from licensed drug shops and pharmacies.

He also encouraged NDA to go deep into the communities to sensitise locals so that they can get proper information on the storage of medicines. “Let the people get the information so that they can get cured,” Ogwang said.

Meanwhile, Nelson Sooma, the regional police commander East Kyoga, urged the communities and leaders to report criminals, saying insecurity prevails in the region.

He said some suspects have been arrested and arraigned in courts of law for engaging in the illegal business of selling drugs in shift markets.

Sooma said the police would continue to enforce operations aimed at stopping the illegal sale of government medicines.

https://thecooperator.news/communities-in-teso-warned-against-buying-hawked-drugs/

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