The Police Commissioner of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (NBGs) has vowed to intensify the crackdown on illegal drug dealers, particularly those involved in the sale of Tramadol and a substance locally known as “Longo.”
Addressing the media at the police headquarters in Aweil, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Guet Padiet said the ongoing crackdown had resulted in the confiscation of 653 cartons of Tramadol and other substances.
Commissioner Padiet said many young men and women, particularly those in their 20s, had become involved in the illegal drug trade, prompting police to step up operations earlier this year.
“This week, we began a crackdown on our young boys and girls who are selling Tramadol. Our goal is to save the lives of the people of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State and protect their lives and property by preventing the spread of these drugs. Even if we say that we are safe, selling or allowing these drugs is harmful and poses a great menace to our communities,” he said.
Padiet said the 653 cartons contained different types of substances, mainly Tramadol. He said some of the drugs were being distributed from designated locations, including clinics.
“There are clinics for these Tramadol drugs, and there are two types, including another one written as Tramazites. We have captured 653 boxes, and they were found in Gateway residential area in a house belonging to a young woman and a young man. These are dangerous acts being carried out by young people,” he said.
With the assistance of officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Padiet said police learned that some of the drugs were being brought from customs facilities in Juba and smuggled into Northern Bahr El Ghazal through Sudan.
The commissioner also said police had confiscated a substance locally known as “Longo,” which he described as dangerous when inhaled or consumed by young people.
Padiet said women previously arrested in connection with the distribution of Longo had been sentenced to between five and six months in prison.
He added that another woman had also been convicted for allegedly engaging in the illegal drug trade and was serving her sentence in prison.
Commissioner Padiet also warned women against abandoning newborn babies in streets, rural villages and urban centres, particularly amid the current economic hardship.
He called on communities to preserve cultural values and respect human life.
“Our people are becoming uncultured nowadays. We need leaders like Dr. John Garang, who died in mysterious circumstances, to be replaced by the young generation. Why should killing become the option? What do you want to achieve by doing so?” he said.
Padiet said authorities had noted an increase in cases involving young women allegedly abandoning their newborn children.
He cited a case in which a woman was reportedly believed to have delivered a child at Malualkon Hospital before disappearing. The woman remains at large, he said.
It remains uncertain whether authorities in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State will succeed in containing the use of Tramadol and other substances, including Shisha, which are reportedly contributing to rising cases of crime and accidents.
Some young men have also been accused of riding motorcycles at high speeds and losing control while under the influence of drugs.
Tramadol is a prescription opioid painkiller used to relieve moderate to severe pain and should be taken only under medical supervision and as prescribed by a qualified health professional.