Suspected Ugandan Drug Dealer Arrested in Congo

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have arrested and detained a Ugandan for allegedly smuggling narcotic drugs into the country.

Jim Leti, 22, a resident of Ngandi village, Logiri Sub-County in Arua district, was arrested with 5kilograms of opium at Azanga trading centre in DR Congo.

According to Lt. Mark Mutono, the UPDF public relations officer for West Nile region, Leti was first detained at Ocha police station and later transferred to Aru police station where he has spent a week.

Mutono explained that Leti was given a deal by some Congolese businessmen to take for them a sample of the drug and later supply it in big quantities after their approval.

Mutono added that when he took the sample, Leti was arrested by Congolese police and the army.

He added that though drug trafficking is a capital offence, there is need for officials from the two countries to find ways of handling the matter amicably.

Mutono told URN that when contacted, Congolese authorities at Aru said the commander who determines the fate of Leti was out of the station.

Mutono says it has become difficult to contain drug trafficking in West Nile region due to the porous nature of the border points.

Ibrahim Abiriga, the Arua Resident District Commissioner, says that they shall find ways of liaising with Congolese authorities in Aru to see that the suspect is deported to be tried in Uganda.

Leti’s continued detention came to light after his family members raised concern to local authorities over his absence.

Mutono says the army later learnt of Leti’s detention from his friends in DR Congo who were aware of his business.