Police in Aswa region has strongly dismissed an argument put forward by a section of farmers in Acholi sub region who have taken smoking to illicit drug.
The drug abusers, majority local farmers’ claim that drugs such as marijuana and opium are energizing since they enable them to dig and open large chunks of land without feeling tired.
The latest case was Mr Nicholas Opio, a resident of Lungulu, Alero Sub County in Nwoya district who is alleged to have been growing marijuana and consuming it.
In his statement to police, Opio argued that the substance has been boosting his energy especially during garden work.
However, on the August 29, this year, Opio allegedly defiled a 13-year-old girl leading to his arrest by the police.
His case has been registered at Nwoya Central Police Station under CRB796/2015.
Mr Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Aswa region Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) noted that, “On a number of occasions, farmers have been requesting police to allow them smoke marijuana since it does not do them any harm.”
According to Okema, some have farmers say police should arrest only those who commit crimes whenever they take drugs.
But Okema says, “The law does not allow both growing and consuming such drugs.
He warned that police will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those who are involved in such unlawful activities.
In June this year, Mr Albert Omona, 51, a resident of Laroo- Pageya in Bungatira Sub County, Aswa County was arrested and marijuana worth Shs1million found in his possession.
Omona accused police of killing his business and yet they (police) are on government payroll.
The growing market for illicit drugs has made the banned substances a lucrative business for many local growers.
Majority of local farmers have also seized the opportunity to make profits out of the booming market.
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