IGANGA – Police in Iganga District have stepped up operations against narcotics use, arresting 28 youths in a coordinated crackdown targeting suspected drug dens across several parts of the municipality and surrounding areas.
The intelligence-led operation was carried out in Bikadho Zone, Bugumba ‘A’ in Iganga Municipality, and Bulubandi Central ‘B’ in Nakigo Sub-county, following complaints from residents over rising cases of public disorder and insecurity linked to drug abuse.
According to security officials, the targeted locations had been identified as hotspots where groups of youths allegedly gather to consume illegal drugs and plan criminal activities, including theft and assaults.
During the raids, police recovered quantities of suspected cannabis (marijuana), which were documented and taken as exhibits to support ongoing investigations.
Authorities said the operation is part of a wider effort to curb drug abuse among young people and reduce crimes associated with substance use across the Busoga sub-region.
Community leaders in Iganga have in recent months raised concern over the growing impact of narcotics on unemployed and vulnerable youths, warning that the trend is contributing to increased criminal behaviour, school dropouts, and general insecurity in some areas.
The arrested suspects are currently being held at different police stations within the district as investigations continue. Police indicated that additional operations will be conducted in other identified drug-prone areas as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.