Police in Kamuli District have arrested one suspect after recovering a substantial quantity of suspected government drugs and medical equipment labelled “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale” from premises in Kamuli Municipality.
Busoga North Regional Police spokesperson Samson Lubega said the recovery followed intelligence received by police regarding the alleged unlawful possession and suspected sale of government medical supplies in the area.
A police team acted on the information and conducted searches at identified premises, leading to the recovery of assorted drugs and medical equipment bearing government markings and suspected to have originated from government medical supply channels.
“Police also impounded a government refrigerator from a motor vehicle suspected to be connected to the matter. The vehicle was also impounded,” said Mr Lubega.
He said that the suspect, Nangobi Lydia, was arrested and is assisting police with investigations, while efforts are underway to trace another suspect who remains at large.
According to Mr Lubega, preliminary investigations indicate that some of the recovered medicines had expired.
“Police are working with relevant authorities to establish the source of the medical supplies, how they came into the suspects’ possession and the circumstances under which they were allegedly stored and offered for sale,” he said.
He said that police are also liaising with the National Medical Stores (NMS), National Drug Authority (NDA) and other relevant health authorities to verify the recovered items and establish the full chain of accountability.
The recovered exhibits have been documented, sorted and secured as investigations continue.
He cautioned members of the public against dealing in government medical supplies marked “Not for Sale” and urged anyone with information regarding the illegal diversion, possession or sale of such supplies to report to the nearest police station.