At least 28 youths have been arrested in Iganga District during a police operation targeting illegal drug use and related criminal activity in parts of the municipality and surrounding areas.
The operation was carried out in Bikadho Zone and Bugumba ‘A’ in Iganga Municipality, together with Bulubandi Central ‘B’ in Nakigo Sub-county, following repeated complaints from residents about rising cases of disorder, theft and violent conduct allegedly linked to drug abuse.
Police said officers recovered pieces of suspected marijuana during the raids, which were later recorded as exhibits to aid investigations.
According to security officials, the targeted areas had increasingly become a concern for both local leaders and residents, who accused some youths of engaging in drug consumption, street violence and nighttime disturbances that have affected businesses and public safety.
Authorities noted that the crackdown is part of ongoing district-wide operations aimed at dismantling illegal drug networks and discouraging substance abuse among young people.
Police added that investigations are ongoing to determine whether some of the suspects were connected to the distribution and sale of narcotics within the affected communities.
The suspects remain in custody as they await screening and possible prosecution under Uganda’s narcotics laws.
Security agencies have since pledged to sustain similar operations in other parts of Iganga to address what officials describe as a growing drug problem among urban youth.
