By Yiep Joseph
Western Bahr El Ghazal State has imposed measures banning the import, production, and sale of toxic alcohol and other harmful drugs in the state.
The decision was reached after the State Council of Ministers held a series of deliberations in the capital, Wau, on the matter.
In a statement issued after their meeting, Hillary Musa, Secretary for the Council of Ministers, urged all companies and individuals to respect the ban on toxic alcohol, warning that any violation would be punishable by law.
“All the factories, companies, and local producers are urged to comply with the new orders; any violation will result in legal action and subsequent imprisonment of up to three to six months,” the statement partly read.
The council’s decision came at a time when the state is witnessing an increased consumption of toxic alcohol, contributing to a rise in crime rates.
The state said the ban aims to protect residents, particularly youth, from the dangerous impacts of alcoholism and drug addiction.
Among the banned alcoholic beverages in Western Bahr el Ghazal are Siko/Aregi, Uganda Waragi, Royal Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, Flash Vodka, Jakuar Cocktail, Seven Seven, and Boss Gin, among others.
In addition to the toxic spirits, the order also bans the prominent drug known as Tramadol, a common substance used by youth for intoxication rather than as medication.
Musa urged the youth to focus on their studies and productive programs that could benefit the communities and the country at large.
Last month, the security apparatus in Central Equatoria State began a crackdown on alcoholic spirits that had been banned by former Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Wani through an order.
Recently, Central Equatoria State (CES) threatened to revoke the licenses of companies and traders that continue to produce and sell banned alcoholic liquor commonly known as “Jena Far.”
CES former Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Wani and other state officials inspected Juba suburbs to reinforce the implementation of the order banning the production and sale of such harmful alcoholic spirits across the state.
The officials also inspected some producing companies and factories in Gumbo to familiarize themselves with their operations and the implementation of the order.
Addressing the media during the inspection, Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete warned that traders disregarding the order banning the sale or production of dry gin risk revocation of their trading licenses as well as closure of their businesses.
“All traders involved in selling alcohol should abide by the order. When we arrest any trader with any alcohol called gin, we will first take away your trading license and close your business,” Tete warned.
The categorized banned dry gins include Royal Gin, Rhino Waragi, Star Gin, Disco Gin, Okapi Gin, Chief Gin, Golden Gin, London No. 1, Red Gin, Zebra Gin, Seven Seven, King Waragi, and other gins not mentioned.
Meanwhile, alcoholic beverages such as beer, Bavaria, and wine are exempt from the ban.