South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Authorities in Central Equatoria State have destroyed a significant quantity of banned alcoholic spirits seized during recent enforcement operations.
The public incineration took place in Rajaf Payam, Juba County, in line with a gubernatorial directive aimed at curbing the distribution of illicit alcohol.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Central Equatoria State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency Leon Abe Brown, said the illicit alcohol has ruined the future of children in the country.
The destruction followed a high-level security meeting chaired by Central Equatoria Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani.
“We cannot allow these substances to destroy the future of our children. If anyone encounters individuals producing or selling these banned products, they should report them to their local council or the relevant state authorities,” Abe said.
Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, Juba County Commissioner said that the illicit gin commonly known as “Jana Far” are contributing to the destruction of the youth and causing serious health problems.
“That is why the governor ordered their ban. After confiscating them, we kept them secure, and today we are destroying them,” Ezbon said.
The sale of these spirits was banned last year by the Central Equatoria State government.
Authorities confirmed that the consignment had been seized from unauthorised sellers operating in violation of the ban.
Abe warned that law enforcement agencies would continue to crackdown on the sale of these banned spirits.
“This is part of a wider effort to safeguard communities,” he said, urging full compliance with the directive.
Meanwhile, Ezbon encouraged other county leaders to replicate the efforts.
“We are calling on all county commissioners in Central Equatoria to enforce these measures. All shops and bars must adhere strictly to the directive,” he said.
State officials confirmed that similar operations will continue across Central Equatoria in the coming weeks, with a focus on confiscation, prosecution, and destruction of illegal alcoholic products.
