Woman arrested with over 100kgs of marijuana in Arua

2026-03-16 - 18:58

The police in Arua city have arrested a 31-year-old woman after she was allegedly found in possession of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana that she intended to transport to Kampala. The suspect, identified as Rose Ederu, is a resident of Asuru cell, Tanganyika ward in Ayivu division, Arua city. According to West Nile regional police spokesperson Josephine Angucia, Ederu was arrested over the weekend following a tip-off from the management of Baby Coach Bus company. Angucia said the suspect was intercepted with two boxes of marijuana weighing about 100 kilogrammes during a routine check conducted by the bus company management together with police officers. Police have since taken the suspect into custody as investigations into the matter continue. Angucia appealed to members of the public and local leaders to share information that could help curb drug trafficking and abuse within communities. She warned that drug abuse contributes to rising criminal activities, noting that people under the influence of drugs are more likely to engage in crime. Meanwhile, Ivan Sukuru, the LC I chairperson of Upper Bibia cell in Pagisa ward, Arua Central division, where the suspect was arrested, said drug trafficking and abuse have become rampant in the city. “Many of the dealers are openly involved in the activity because the laws regulating this vice are weak,” Sukuru said. “I call upon the government to impose stringent measures to curb drug trafficking.” This is not the first time police in Arua have impounded marijuana destined for Kampala through bus terminals. In 2018, police destroyed 189 kilograms of marijuana, locally known as bangi, after it was impounded from different bus terminals. Police reports indicate that marijuana is largely cultivated in the sub-counties of Logiri, Vurra and Arivu in Arua district. Authorities say much of the marijuana produced in these areas is smuggled across the border and sold in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under Section 4 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2024, any person found in possession of a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance commits an offence and, upon conviction, faces a fine of up to 50,000 currency points or three times the market value of the drug, or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both.