Museveni orders probe into suspected drug barons

President Museveni has ordered an investigation into suspected drug barons hiding behind the cover of selling second-hand cars.

A police source, who preferred anonymity because is not authorised to talk to the press, said the President had noted that most of the suspects were in politics and business.

“There are leads linking important people in the business and politics to trafficking of classified drugs, but there has been laxity in targeting them. Now the President has said all efforts must be made to stop their dealings,” the source said yesterday.

The order follows the death of Butaleja District Woman MP Cerinah Nebanda whom police suspect could have consumed illicit drugs. According to a source, prominent car dealers use bonded warehouses and hotels for trading drugs.

It is suspected that the barons get by-products that have similar effects like cocaine or heroin from a pharmaceutical company, which the Daily Monitor cannot name for legal reasons.

It is a cocktail of the by-product and pure illicit drugs that they supply to local dealers who distribute them in Uganda and in South Sudan at a reduced price.

The pellets, which are often transported by couriers, are meant for Europe, US and China. The deputy police spokesperson, Mr Vicent Ssekate, confirmed the investigation but declined to name the people or companies targeted.

“It is true that police are investigating some high-profile people in regard to drug trafficking. But at this point, I cannot give details because it will jeopardise the investigations,” Mr Ssekate said.

Asked whether they had been ordered to investigate some suspected investors dealing in drugs, he said that he could not discuss the President’s orders with the media.

abagala@ug.nationmedia.com