Police in Lwengo District have arrested two suspects during an operation targeting marijuana dealers and growers in Malongo Sub-county, as security agencies intensify efforts to combat the growing drug trade in the area.
The operation, led by the Lwengo District Police Commander, Julius Musaazi, was conducted in Kalegero Village, where officers reportedly recovered processed marijuana ready for sale, along with smoking materials believed to have been used in distributing the illegal substance.
The suspects were identified as Nicholas Niwagaba, 35, and Shamim Nakaweesi, who was arrested while carrying her three-month-old baby.
According to police, Nakaweesi attempted to flee the scene and board a motorcycle with the infant before officers intercepted and arrested her.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Police said several other suspected dealers escaped after noticing the operation, abandoning some exhibits at the scene.
Residents welcomed the crackdown, saying marijuana abuse has become rampant in the district and is contributing to increased violence and insecurity.
"People here can hardly sleep peacefully because many youths spend nights under the influence of drugs. We appreciate the police operation and ask them to continue with such crackdowns," some residents said during the operation.
The LC1 Chairperson of Kalegero Village, Stephen Manot, also commended the police intervention, revealing that local leaders have repeatedly received complaints from residents over increasing marijuana consumption in the area.
"This village has struggled with drug abuse for a long time. Some youths have become violent and uncontrollable because of marijuana. We thank the police for responding to our concerns," Manot said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Lwengo, Fred Kasekende, warned local leaders against shielding marijuana dealers, saying anyone found collaborating with criminals would face arrest.
"Local leaders must cooperate with security agencies instead of protecting criminals. Whoever is found aiding marijuana dealers will be arrested and prosecuted as an example to others," Kasekende warned.
The Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the arrests and said the suspects would be charged in accordance with the law.
Kasirye also warned those who escaped during the operation not to assume they were safe, stressing that investigations and operations are ongoing.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"We shall continue pursuing all those involved in the sale and distribution of marijuana in the region. Those who escaped should surrender because police operations are continuing," Kasirye said.
Authorities further linked the village to a previous violent incident in which a suspected marijuana user allegedly attacked a police officer with a machete during an attempted arrest related to the destruction of a resident's banana plantation.
Security agencies say the fight against narcotics remains a priority in the Greater Masaka region due to growing concerns over crime, violence, and youth addiction associated with drug abuse.
