S. Sudan authorities destroy over 300kgs of illegal drugs

March 19, 2012 (LAINYA) – Authorities in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State said they destroyed over 300kgs of the illegal drug opium, intercepted from motorists and cyclists in its checkpoint at Lainya County, located 50 miles south of its capital, Juba.

Stephen Lukadi Laila, the area Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer says has been difficult to arrest those involved in the illegal drug trade, due to the absence of roadblocks in the country.

The arrest, he said, followed an order issued by the Lainya County commissioner last year, which instructed authorities to check all en-route to and from Juba, via the county’s territory.

“More than 22 cases [of opium] have been reported to police authorities since December last year and four were referred to Juba high court,” the CID boss told the press Monday, adding that two cases remain under investigation.

Ajac Tong Dut, one of the arrested suspects, said they deal in the drug to earn a living, saying trade in the illegal drug is on the rise due to the increasing costs of living in the new nation.

The official, however, appealed to the local government sector to approve the establishment of permanent check points in Lainya County to curb illegal dealings in drugs.

According to section 383 of South Sudan Local Government Act, 2008, a person convicted of dealing in illegal drug, pays a fine of at least 500SSP ($125) or serves three year in prison.
(ST).