Authorities in Yei River County on Wednesday destroyed a quantity of seized marijuana, the latest move in an ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in the region.
County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo said marijuana use posed a growing risk to public health, security and the well-being of young people. He reiterated the county’s commitment to eradicating illegal substances and noted that officials had previously destroyed other banned items, including smuggled high-alcohol spirits.
“These drugs were seized last night. The owner dropped them and ran away,” Malimbo said. “Any drugs we find in any store or in possession of anyone shall be destroyed. There is a local order I have passed banning the growing of marijuana in Yei. Anyone caught doing so will face the law. When these things are not available, crimes can reduce.”
He warned that anyone found selling or distributing marijuana would be arrested and prosecuted.
Police Commissioner Major General Ali Abdullahtif said security forces had continued to confiscate significant quantities of marijuana during operations targeting suspected traffickers and users.
“Marijuana is one of the drugs we are seizing from anyone selling, smoking or growing,” Abdullahtif said. “Our patrol team is moving around, and anyone found in possession of these drugs shall be arrested because marijuana and spirit drinks are banned in Central Equatoria State.”
Community elder Antony Dicko welcomed the destruction, describing it as a strong signal of the authorities’ commitment to public safety. He also appealed to parents, community leaders and residents to cooperate in protecting young people from drug abuse.
“Smoking marijuana is very dangerous because I am seeing teenagers smoking, which destroys lives,” Dicko said. “I am happy with today’s exercise. I want all community leaders and security agencies to intensify the crackdown on narcotics in all five payams of Yei.”
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