Police Arrest 17 in Pader Opium Crackdown

What the report says

Police in Pader District, in northern Uganda, say they have arrested 17 people in a joint operation with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces targeting alleged opium sales and use in Pader Town Council. According to Dokolo Post, the raid took place on October 22, 2026 after officers received intelligence the previous day about youths reportedly smoking opium behind a building opposite Atimakica Guest House.

Police said officers from Pader Central Police Station and UPDF personnel attached to the Airfield Detachment moved into the area around 6:30 p.m. and arrested 16 adult men and one adult woman, who was said to have been with a baby. The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected vendor, identified as Rubangakene Ivan, also known as “Take Off,” and his wife, Acheng Scovia.

Authorities said they recovered 24 sticks of suspected opium and 15,000 shillings in cash believed to be linked to the alleged sales, along with additional suspected opium found during a search at Rubangakene’s home. Police said the material was discovered in a black polythene bag and a khaki box.

The suspects are being held at Pader CPS while officers screen them to determine each person’s role. Police said case files will be sent to the Resident State Attorney for guidance on possible charges, including possession and smoking of opium, if supported by investigations. Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said the operation was part of broader intelligence-led efforts to curb crime and improve public safety.