Officials inspect seized illegal drugs and unlicensed alcoholic products during a crackdown on illicit substances in Yei Market. | Courtesy photo

Authorities in Yei River County have destroyed illegal drugs and unlicensed alcoholic products as part of a crackdown on illicit substances.

In an operation conducted on Friday, authorities confiscated and burned alcoholic drinks and illegal drugs seized during inspections in the market.

The operation was carried out jointly by county authorities, security agencies, health officials and law enforcement personnel.

It resulted in the seizure and destruction of illegal alcoholic spirits, expired medicines and prohibited drugs confiscated from traders, clinics and shops operating in Yei town and surrounding areas.

The crackdown follows a series of orders issued by County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo prohibiting the sale and distribution of illegal drugs and unlicensed alcoholic products.

The order also imposed a fine of 1000,000 South Sudanese Pounds and imprisonment for up to three months for offenders.

Simon Mosoga, Director of the County Health Department, warned young people against the use and abuse of harmful substances, including Tramadol and unlicensed alcoholic spirits.

He cited products such as Hunters Gin, Kick Waragi and Muhaba Gin among the alcoholic products targeted during the operation.

Mosoga said the abuse of such substances poses serious health risks and can lead to severe medical complications and death.

He added that health authorities recovered significant quantities of illegal alcohol and Tramadol tablets during inspections and enforcement activities conducted across the county.