Magwi County Commissioner Pole-pole Benjamin Olum has issued two sweeping local orders banning the sale of Tramadol and the export of charcoal, in a move aimed at curbing rising drug abuse among youth and halting widespread illegal logging in the area.
The directives, signed on 8 December 2025, impose strict penalties on pharmacies, drug shops, and traders found violating the orders.
Under the first order, all health facilities and pharmaceutical outlets are prohibited from selling Tramadol or any other “toxic substances”, a response to growing concerns over the drug’s abuse in Magwi’s major towns.
Commissioner Olum said the decision follows repeated reports from health workers, security organs, and parents about the destructive effects of Tramadol on young people.
Those found selling the drug risk heavy fines, the closure of their facilities, and legal prosecution.
Charcoal export completely outlawed
A second order targets the booming commercial charcoal trade, which authorities say has fueled illegal logging and environmental degradation across the county.
The directive bans the export of charcoal from Magwi to neighboring countries, including Uganda.
All charcoal discovered in stores, forests, trucks, or on roads will be confiscated and auctioned, with proceeds to be directed toward rehabilitating key feeder roads in the county.
The Commissioner said the rampant cutting of trees for charcoal has led to “severe ecological damage” and is undermining the county’s long-term environmental sustainability.
Security organs, health departments, and local administrators have been instructed to enforce the bans without delay.
Community leaders have also been urged to sensitise the population on the new measures and support local authorities in monitoring compliance.
Officials say the twin orders are part of a broader strategy to protect young people from drug addiction, reduce environmental destruction, and regulate commercial activities that have been operating without proper oversight.
As implementation begins, county authorities warn that enforcement will be “strict and continuous,” with no exceptions for individuals or groups found violating the new regulations.
