AWEIL — The police in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State on Tuesday intensified operations against drug dealers as part of a broader effort to combat the growing abuse and trafficking of illicit substances in the town.
The anti-drug campaign, launched by the state police command, targets individuals suspected of selling tramadol and shisha in Aweil’s main markets, substances that authorities said have contributed to rising crime and insecurity in the town.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday during the launch of the operation, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Gabriel Guet Padiet said the operation is targeting 10 suspected drug dealers believed to be profiting from the sale of banned drugs in the state.
“The drugs are taking a bad toll in the state, and for these reasons, we are trying to curtail the effectiveness of these drugs,” Guet said.
Guet said the operation aims to save the lives of young people, noting that the abuse of these harmful drugs has contributed to numerous deaths in the state.
He said the operation is targeting key areas, including the Maper, Akot, and Aru marketplaces, as well as Aweil town, adding that there are plans to expand the operation to other towns across the state.
For his part, Colonel Madut Ngong Aleu said officers from the Criminal Investigation Department are playing a vital role in taking swift action to eliminate harmful drugs from the state.
“The Criminal Investigation Department officers have recovered 14 cartons of tramadol and shisha during the operation,” said Aleu.
“The suspect believed to be supplying these drugs within the town has been arrested and is currently in CID custody pending further investigation.”
He said the crackdown will continue across the state to curb drug-related crimes fueled by the use of illicit substances.
“The CID will continue carrying out operations for the people of N. Bahr El Ghazal state,” he stated.
Shisha, an Arabic water pipe (hookah) used to smoke flavored tobacco, is among the substances targeted in the crackdown.
Health experts warn that its smoke contains harmful and toxic chemicals that pose serious health risks.
Experts also caution against the misuse of tramadol, a prescription painkiller intended to relieve moderate to severe pain.
They say many young people abuse the drug to combat fatigue or stay energized, despite its potentially severe health consequences, including addiction and other adverse effects.
