The Entebbe Grade I Magistrate’s Court on Monday, March 13, 2023, charged and remanded four Entebbe International Airport Staff in connection with the illegal trafficking of drugs.
The suspects are accused of allegedly aiding in the smuggling of 9.8 kilograms of cocaine worth Ugx4.5 billion by a Nigerian national into the country from Brazil.
This was reportedly executed on March 1, 2023, at the Arrivals Baggage Screening Point at the Passenger Terminal Building inside Entebbe Airport, after the staff cleared and disguised the cocaine consignment as coffee packets.
The accused include Denis Mugabi Mwamba, Caroline Orishaba, Florence Awino, and Dan Banan all working at Entebbe Airport.
The Entebbe Grade One Magistrate, Stella Okwong, charged the accused with illegal trafficking of psychotropic substances, contrary to Sections 4(1) and 2(9) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act of 2016.
According to a police report, the Nigerian national identified as Raphael Pius Madu was tracked and arrested on March 1, 2023, from his residence in Kampala after entering the country. He was then charged with two counts of unlawful possession of psychotropic substances and illegal trafficking of psychotropic substances.
The suspects were denied bail and have been remanded until March 24, 2023, when they will reappear in court for a further hearing.
