Help centre
Zombo Police Seize Suspected Sodium Cyanide in Raid, Probe Potential Illegal Export
By Mike Rwothomio
ZOMBO: Police in Zombo District On April 4, 2025, at 10:42 AM conducted a targeted operation (SD 24/04/06/2025) at Bunya Stage, Jupanyondo West Cell, Nyibola Ward, Paidha Town Council, following intelligence reports of a stored toxic compound suspected to be sodium cyanide (NaCN), a highly hazardous chemical.
Authorities believe the substance was intended for illicit transport to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A coordinated team of detectives and uniformed officers, in the presence of the LC1 Chairman and the premises owner, executed a thorough search of the site.
The operation yielded 15 small drums, each with a mass of 50 kilograms, containing the suspected sodium cyanide, a potent, water-soluble compound known for its acute toxicity and use in industrial processes like gold extraction, but also a controlled substance due to its lethal potential.
The recovered exhibits were securely transported and deposited at the Paidha Police exhibit store for further analysis and safekeeping.
The West Nile regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea confirmed the incident in a statement, noting an active investigation is underway to determine the origin, ownership, and intended use of the chemical, with updates to follow as the inquiry progresses.
Under Uganda’s export regulations, the movement of hazardous and illegal goods, including toxic chemicals like sodium cyanide, is strictly prohibited without proper authorization.
The Uganda Revenue Authority and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) enforce stringent controls to prevent the unlawful export of such substances, with violators facing severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, to protect public safety and regional security.
Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa
Categories
Read More
Koboko, Uganda – A tragic road accident occurred on March 28, 2025, when a bus registered as UAB 684T, operated by Devine Bus Company, overturned in Koboko CPS jurisdiction, resulting in the death of one passenger. Territorial police are now actively searching for the driver, who fled the scene following the crash. The bus was traveling from Arua City to Adjumani with passengers on...
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly under intense pressure from his inner circle to remove Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a move that sources warn could plunge Zimbabwe into political chaos or even civil conflict. Highly placed sources revealed that a high-level meeting took place on Sunday morning at Mnangagwa’s private Precabe Farm in Kwekwe. Attendees...
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the US is immediately revoking visas issued to all South Sudanese passport holders due to the African nation refusing to accept its citizens who have been removed from the US. Rubio, in a statement on Saturday, added that the US will also block any arriving citizens of South Sudan, the world's newest country, at US ports of entry. He blamed...
By Mike Rwothomio Pakwach District Local Government has dismissed widespread social media claims of corrupt practices within its District Service Commission. The statement, issued on April 8, 2025, comes in response to reports that surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) on April 7, alleging that the district has retained an unqualified Assistant District Health Officer for an extended period....
By Mike Rwothomio On World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, Radio Paidha, in collaboration with Collein Aid, launched a one-day "Clean Paidha" campaign in Zombo district to champion environmental conservation and promote sustainable solid waste management. The organizers stated that the initiative also aimed to empower students to take responsibility for their environment, fostering a sense of...
