Stolen gov’t drugs & equipment worth Shs1.7bn recovered during NDA operation
During its operation, the Authority closed over 830 illegal outlets from where they impounded over 900 boxes of assorted classified drugs and medical equipment worth over Shs1.7bn.
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has concluded a 14-day compliance enforcement operation in 17 districts of the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.
During its operation, the Authority closed over 830 illegal outlets from where they impounded over 900 boxes of assorted classified drugs and medical equipment worth over Shs1.7bn.
Among the districts in which the operation was conducted include Aleptong, Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Kole, Kwania, Lira, Otuke, Oyam, Agago and Amuru.
Other districts include Gulu, Lamwo, Kitgum, Nwoya, Omoro, and Pader which were all operating illegally and hiring unqualified persons to handle medicines.
According to a statement released by the Authority, some of the suspects arrested include Dr Alobo Gasthonya, a gynaecologist and a lecturer at Lira University, who was running an illegal pharmacy in Lira with government drugs.
The other suspect according to the report was Rubangakene James and Odong Christopher Langoya, who are attendants of Akfrank Medicines drugshops owned by Aken Robert, who is also a pharmacy technician at Kitgum General Hospital.
The report reads that drugs and medical equipment worth Shs1.5 billion belonging to the government were found in these three suspects’ premises. Unfortunately, on searching, police noted that Akena was no were to be seen.
Still, at Kitgum General Hospital, there was Kenethen Watmon, a laboratory technician, who was found in possession of similar items, all belonging to the government of Uganda.
According to National Drug Authority, all these suspects are to be charged in courts of law against illegal possession of classified drugs contrary to section 27(2) of the NDA Act, unlawful possession of government stores contrary to section 316 of the penal code act and carrying on businesses of pharmacists without a license contrary to section 14(30) of the NDA Act.
Other offences include abuse of office contrary to section 11 of the anti-corruption Act and causing financial loss contrary to section 20 of the anti-corruption Act.
