Authorities in South Sudan have apprehended six foreign nationals at Juba International Airport on suspicion of drug trafficking.
The arrests took place on Monday, as confirmed by a Deputy Police Spokesperson. The suspects were found in possession of illegal drugs during a routine inspection conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Maj. Lith Wilson Simon stated that the arrested individuals are from Kosovo and have been placed in custody at the Northern Police Station in Juba.
“They are regarded as suspects until proven otherwise. A case has been initiated under Article 383 of the South Sudan Penal Code, and investigations are currently underway,” Simon noted.
The police spokesperson emphasized that the illicit substances seized are undergoing examination by the appropriate authorities, and once confirmed, the suspects will face legal action.
The arrests resulted from a CID operation at the airport, and the deputy police spokesperson encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to assist in combating crime in the country.
Kosovo is a landlocked territory in Southeast Europe, bordered by Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro. While Kosovo is recognized by over 100 nations, Serbia continues to claim it as part of its territory.
Drug trafficking has been a significant issue in South Sudan and across Africa. South Sudan has seen increasing drug-related activities, often linked to the country’s ongoing conflict and instability. Reports indicate that drug trafficking networks have been expanding, taking advantage of weak law enforcement and border security.
In Africa at large, many countries face similar challenges. Nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have reported rising cases of drug trafficking, with organized crime groups operating across borders. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has highlighted Africa as a growing transit route for drugs heading to Europe and other markets.