Ugandan Woman Arrested With Over 100kgs of Marijuana

Ploice in Arua have detained a woman after she was reportedly caught with a large consignment of marijuana believed to have been destined for Kampala.

The suspect, a 31-year-old resident of Ayivu Division, was picked up over the weekend after security received information pointing to suspicious cargo being prepared for transportation. Police say the operation was triggered by a tip from staff of a bus company, who alerted officers after noticing unusual packages during routine handling.

Officers, working together with the transport company, intercepted two boxes containing suspected marijuana. The total weight of the seized drugs is estimated at over 100 kilograms. The woman was immediately taken into custody as police opened a formal investigation into the source and intended distribution network of the narcotics.

West Nile regional police have since confirmed the arrest and say efforts are underway to identify other individuals who could be linked to the shipment. Authorities believe the consignment was part of a broader trafficking chain moving illegal drugs from northern Uganda toward major urban centers.

Police have called on residents, community leaders, and transport operators to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Officials warn that drug-related activities continue to fuel crime in many areas, with offenders often acting under the influence or engaging in organized illegal trade.

Local leaders in Arua City have raised concern about the growing visibility of drug trafficking in the area. Some say the trade has become increasingly open, with traffickers taking advantage of what they describe as weak enforcement and limited deterrence.

The latest arrest adds to a series of similar incidents recorded in recent years, where large quantities of marijuana have been seized at bus terminals before reaching Kampala. Authorities note that the region remains a key transit route due to its proximity to border points and established transport networks.

Security reports indicate that marijuana cultivation is common in parts of Arua District, particularly in sub-counties such as Logiri, Vurra, and Arivu. Much of the produce is believed to be trafficked across borders into neighboring countries, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo, while some is redirected to Uganda’s urban markets.

Under Uganda’s narcotics laws, possession or trafficking of prohibited substances carries severe penalties, including heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences upon conviction. Police say enforcement will continue to target both suppliers and distributors as part of a broader effort to disrupt the illegal drug trade.