The authorities of Abyei Special Administrative Area (ASAA) on Thursday said eleven drug dealers have been apprehended in an ongoing crackdown in Abyei Town.
James Simon, the Abyei director of the Community Protection Committee (CPC), told Radio Tamzuj on Thursday that the suspects will be arraigned in court.
“The confiscation of drugs is ongoing in all towns of the Abyei area, and all security forces, including the CPC, are searching for those dealing in prohibited drugs to ensure the safety of Abyei inhabitants,” he said. “We confiscate tramadol, bhangi (cannabis), and other drugs, and anyone caught red-handed must face the law.”
Simon revealed that a first-class judge from Juba is currently in Abyei and will try the suspects. He urged the people of Abyei to help the police by reporting prohibited drugs.
“The judge arrived from Juba, and he is here with us, so these 11 drug dealers will be produced in court. I call on all Abyei citizens to support the government by sharing information,” he said. “I particularly urge the Abyei civil society organizations to help create awareness about the dangers of drugs.”
Meanwhile, Abyei Information Minister Yuohna Akol appreciated the CPC for what he called their tremendous work.
“Community Protection Committee members apprehended 4 drug dealers on Wednesday, and 7 others were arrested on Tuesday, and the exercise is ongoing in the town,” he stated. “This is a great job for us as the government and the community of Abyei because the young generation will take over in the future in Abyei. That is why we are obliged to protect the youth by all means.”
This is not the first time the authorities in Abyei have confiscated banned drugs. In 2024, the Abyei Municipal Council banned certain spirits considered dangerous.