10 people
have been arrested in an operation by the National Drug Authority for vending
drugs in the Teso Region. NDA also confiscated drugs worth 50 Million Shillings
that were found sold in weekly markets.
The operation that ended on Friday was conducted in the weekly
markets of Bukedea, Soroti, Serere, Ngora, and Katakwi districts.
Samuel Kyomukama, the Head of Enforcement at NDA says the operation is part of
the NDA’s routine post-market surveillance activities aimed at protecting the human
and animal populations from substandard, counterfeit, and unauthorized drugs and
health care products.
According to Kyomukama, they arrested at least 10 people
found in possession of human, veterinary, and herbal medicines in the open
markets. He says that the suspects were displaying, selling, and advertising
human drugs in ungazzetted places.
Those arrested include Christopher Ariong, Muhamad Mutanda, Samuel Okiror,
Zainab Among, and Bernard Oswa- all in Bukedea cattle market. In Katine Market,
Soroti district; the authorities arrested Joseph Richard Osele, Charles Ebaju,
Bridget Atim, and Thomas Adikin. In Ochapa cattle market, George Willaim Okell
and Dinah Ruth Amoding were arrested.
The suspects were charged with different charges including possession of
classified drugs, illegal advertisement, and carrying on the business of pharmacists
without licenses among others.
According to Kyomukama, nine of the suspects have been
produced before the court and remanded.
// Cue in: “Teso sub region…
Cue out…to impure drugs.”//
Martin Eyura, the acting District Health Officer Soroti says that drug hawking
has long-term health effects including drug resistance to diseases that
sometimes lead to death. He says that drug hawking has persisted because of the
biting poverty in Teso.
// Cue in: “Drug hawking indeed…
Cue out…on the efficacy.”//
The Deputy Regional Police Commander for East Kyoga, Nelson Sooma said that the
issue of drug hawking is a security threat that requires concerted efforts.
Edward Eninu
Freelancer