News
17 arrested in Pader anti-opium operation
The suspects, comprising 16 men and one woman, who was reportedly with a baby, were arrested on Thursday, October 22, 2026, following intelligence that a group of youths routinely smoked opium behind a building opposite Atimakica Guest House.
Patrick Jimmy Okema, North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson. (Photo by Hudson Apunyo)
By: Hudson Apunyo, Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have arrested 17 people, including a suspected opium vendor and his wife, in an intelligence-led operation targeting the alleged sale and consumption of the substance in Pader Town Council, Pader district.
The suspects, comprising 16 men and one woman, who was reportedly with a baby, were arrested on Thursday, October 22, 2026, following intelligence that a group of youths routinely smoked opium behind a building opposite Atimakica Guest House.
According to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Region police spokesperson and acting spokesperson for Aswa West and Aswa East regions, the operation followed intelligence received on October 21.
A joint team of officers from Pader Central Police Station and UPDF personnel attached to the Airfield Detachment conducted the operation at about 6:30pm on October 22.
The suspected vendor was identified as Ivan Rubangakene, alias Take Off and his wife, Scovia Acheng.
Police said they recovered 24 sticks of suspected opium and sh15,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the sale of the substance. The items were reportedly found tied together in a black polythene bag.
A subsequent search at Rubangakene’s residence led to the recovery of a large quantity of suspected opium concealed in a large khaki box, according to the police.
The 17 suspects are being held at Pader Central Police Station pending screening, which police said would be conducted with the assistance of Local Council I chairpersons to establish each suspect’s alleged involvement.
The suspected vendor was identified as Ivan Rubangakene, alias Take Off and his wife, Scovia Acheng.
Police said they recovered 24 sticks of suspected opium and sh15,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the sale of the substance. The items were reportedly found tied together in a black polythene bag.
A subsequent search at Rubangakene’s residence led to the recovery of a large quantity of suspected opium concealed in a large khaki box, according to the police.
The 17 suspects are being held at Pader Central Police Station pending screening, which police said would be conducted with the assistance of Local Council I chairpersons to establish each suspect’s alleged involvement.
Police said case files would be compiled and submitted to the Resident State Attorney for review and legal guidance on appropriate charges, including offences relating to the possession and smoking of opium.
The proposed charges will depend on the outcome of investigations and legal advice.
Okema said the operation was part of ongoing security efforts to prevent and combat crime through intelligence-led policing and community engagement.
Police urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information about suspected criminals, criminal activities and hideouts to help law enforcement agencies apprehend offenders.
Police also reassured residents that similar operations would continue in accordance with the law to safeguard public safety and security.
The proposed charges will depend on the outcome of investigations and legal advice.
Okema said the operation was part of ongoing security efforts to prevent and combat crime through intelligence-led policing and community engagement.
Police urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information about suspected criminals, criminal activities and hideouts to help law enforcement agencies apprehend offenders.
Police also reassured residents that similar operations would continue in accordance with the law to safeguard public safety and security.