Police in Teso South, Busia County, have arrested two men suspected of involvement in a criminal gang following an operation that led to the recovery of 180 National Identification Cards registered under different names.
The suspects were identified as Francis Okoside, also known as Franco, and Douglas Barasa, alias Dady Okangu. Their arrest followed a targeted police operation aimed at disrupting suspected criminal networks operating in the area.
After taking the two suspects into custody, detectives proceeded to Okoside’s home, where they conducted a search in the presence of his family members.
The search uncovered a large number of identification documents, with officers recovering 180 National Identification Cards bearing different names. Investigators are now seeking to establish how the documents were obtained and whether they were being used or intended to facilitate criminal activities.
Officers also seized a tear gas canister, a heavy metal rod and eight metal bars suspected to have been used to break into buildings.
Among the other items recovered were two pairs of military-style boots and five mobile phones, together with additional materials that detectives believe could assist in the investigation.
The recovered items have been preserved as exhibits as detectives continue examining the evidence and tracing their possible links to criminal activities.
Okoside and Barasa remain in police custody while they undergo processing before being taken to court.
Investigators are also pursuing further leads to determine the extent of the alleged criminal network and establish whether more suspects are involved.
The operation remains ongoing as detectives work to identify other individuals potentially connected to the suspected gang and uncover the circumstances surrounding the possession of the identification cards.
