By James Innocent
Authorities in Yei River County on Wednesday destroyed a quantity of seized marijuana, locally known as bangi, as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the county.
The exercise was witnessed by county government officials, security agencies, and representatives of local media houses.
Speaking during the destruction of the confiscated drugs, the Commissioner of Yei River County, Samuel Henry Malimbo, described marijuana abuse as a serious threat to public health and community safety, particularly among young people.
He said the county administration remains committed to eliminating illegal drugs from the area, noting that authorities had previously destroyed other illicit substances, including smuggled high-alcohol-content spirits believed to have been brought into the county.
”The future of our young generation is at stake if drug abuse is allowed to continue unchecked. We will continue working with security institutions to remove these harmful substances from our communities,” Malimbo said.
The Commissioner also warned individuals involved in the sale and distribution of marijuana that anyone found violating the law would face arrest and prosecution.
County authorities further disclosed that a suspect allegedly threw marijuana over the perimeter fence of Yei Prison before fleeing the scene. Security agencies said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the individual.
The Police Commissioner for Yei River County, Major General Ali Abdullahtif, said security forces have confiscated significant quantities of marijuana during operations targeting suspected traffickers and users.
He noted that drug abuse has contributed to criminal activities and other social problems affecting the community and commended the county leadership for taking decisive action against illegal drugs.
”Our security forces will continue enforcing the law to protect the public, especially young people who are most vulnerable to drug abuse,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, community elder Antony Dicko welcomed the destruction of the seized drugs, saying the initiative demonstrates the commitment of local authorities and security agencies to improving public safety.
He expressed concern over the increasing number of young people becoming involved in drug abuse and urged parents, community leaders, and residents to work together to protect children from the dangers associated with narcotic substances.
County authorities reiterated their appeal to the public to refrain from engaging in the sale, distribution, or consumption of illegal drugs and encouraged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected drug-related activities.