By Hou Akot Hou
Police in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State have launched a crackdown on drug dealers involved in the sale of substances such as tramadol and shisha in Aweil’s main markets.
The operation began on Tuesday morning and is expected to continue throughout the week.
Speaking to the media in Aweil Town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Gabriel Guet Padiet praised police officers for exposing more than ten suspected drug dealers and recovering money believed to have been obtained through the illegal trade, along with banned substances.
Guet said the operation aims to prevent deaths and reduce the negative consequences linked to drug use, including accidents and other social problems reported in the state.
“The drugs are taking a bad toll in the state, and for these reasons, we are trying to curtail the effects of these substances,” he said.
The commissioner said the operation began in major areas, including Maper, Akot, and Aru marketplaces, as well as other neighborhoods across Aweil Town. He added that plans are underway to expand the campaign to other towns in the state.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Col. Madut Ngong Aleu commended officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for acting quickly after receiving reports about the widespread presence of illegal drugs in the area.
“The Criminal Investigation Department officers recovered 14 cartons of tramadol and shisha during the operation. The suspect believed to be supplying these drugs within the town has been arrested and is currently in CID custody pending further investigation,” Col. Madut said.
Ngong said the crackdown would continue across Northern Bahr El Ghazal State in an effort to combat drug-related crimes associated with the use of illegal substances.
“The CID will continue carrying out operations throughout Northern Bahr El Ghazal State,” he stated.
Shisha, also known as a hookah or water pipe, is commonly smoked with flavored tobacco.
Health experts warn that the substances used in shisha can have harmful effects. Tramadol, a medication normally used for pain relief, is reportedly being misused by some young people to fight fatigue and tiredness, despite the risks of dependency and other harmful effects.
Authorities say the ongoing crackdown is aimed at reducing drug-related problems and improving public safety in the state.