A section of the impounded boxes of assorted drugs at NDA West Nile regional headquarters in Arua City
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has impounded drugs worth 89.4 million Shillings from illegal drugs outlets operating in the West Nile region.
The drugs were impounded during two weeks of enforcement operations that targeted 100 illegal drug outlets in the districts of Arua, Yumbe, Koboko, Madi-Okollo, Maracha, Terego, Nebbi, Zombo and Pakwach. As part of the operations, a total of 96 drug shops, one pharmacy, and six clinics, were issued closure notices and 447 boxes of assorted drugs were impounded.
Samuel Kyomukama, the head of enforcement at the authority said that the operation was carried out in line with NDA routine post-market surveillance activities that are intended to protect the human and animal population.
Kyomukama adds that the authority, together with the police also arrested three individuals who are now held at Nebbi and Arua Central Police Stations.
Meanwhile, Dr Emmauel Umirambe, the NDA manager for the West Nile region says that the operation was carried out following tip-offs that some businesses were operating contrary to the law, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He adds that the authority will continue carrying out operations across the country to ensure that laws regarding drug sales are followed.
In June last year, a similar operation led to the closure of 174 drug outlets and assorted drugs worth 42 million Shillings impounded.
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