PADER – Seventeen suspects are in custody at Pader Central Police Station following a joint intelligence-led operation by the territorial police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) targeting the alleged sale and consumption of opium in Pader Town Council.
The operation, conducted on 22 October 2026 at around 6:30 p.m., followed intelligence received a day earlier indicating that a group of youths routinely smoked opium behind a building opposite Atimakica Guest House in the town council.
According to a statement issued by the Police Spokesperson for North Kyoga Region, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the joint team comprised officers from Pader Central Police Station and UPDF personnel attached to the Airfield Detachment.
During the operation, the team arrested a suspected vendor identified as Rubangakene Ivan, alias “Take Off,” together with his wife, Acheng Scovia. The team recovered 24 sticks of suspected opium and cash amounting to UGX 15,000, believed to be proceeds from the sale of the substance. The exhibits were reportedly found tied together in a black polythene bag.
A subsequent search of Rubangakene Ivan’s residence led to the recovery of a large quantity of suspected opium concealed in a large khaki box.
All 17 suspects are currently detained at Pader CPS pending screening, which will be conducted with the assistance of Local Council I chairpersons to establish their respective involvement in the alleged offences.
“The suspects’ case files will be compiled and submitted to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance on the appropriate charges, including matters relating to the possession and smoking of opium, subject to the outcome of investigations and legal advice,” SP Okema said.
The operation, he noted, is part of ongoing efforts by security teams to prevent and combat crime through intelligence-led policing and community engagement.
The police have appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information regarding suspected criminals, criminal activities and their hideouts to enable law enforcement agencies to apprehend offenders and bring them to justice.
SP Okema further reassured the public that operations of this nature will continue in accordance with the law to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over drug abuse among youths in the region, with security agencies increasingly relying on community tips to dismantle suspected drug networks.
