Rwanda National Police

In the wee hours of Friday, August 6, Rwanda National Police (RNP) Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) arrested one Aimable Ndaziramiye, 27, in Bwiza Village, Rurambi Cell, Nyamirama Sector of Kayonza District, in possession of 12kgs of cannabis.

Ndaziramiye identified to be a major drug dealer, was at the time in the process to supply retailers in Kayonza District and the neighbouring areas, according to the acting District Police Commander (Ag.DPC) for Kayonza, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Honore Havugimana.

"Residents of Rurambi Cell reported that Ndaziramiye was a drug dealer and had brought a new consignment of narcotics. We swiftly conducted an operation, found him at his home where he was arrested. He became cooperative and directed Police officers to the kitchen where 12kgs of cannabis were recovered," CIP Havugimana said.

Ndaziramiye told the Police that he was supplied by another major drug dealer in Ndego Sector, also in Kayonza District but could not disclose the identities of his supplier.

"We understand that Ndaziramiye and his alleged supplier operate mainly in Kayonza, Ngoma, Rwamagana and Gatsibo districts, and in most cases using Ndego as the main trafficking transit route from the neighbouring Tanzania through Akagera river and Lake Kagoma. Law enforcement organs are working closely to locate and bring all members of the racket to justice," the DPC said.
 
Ndaziramiye was handed over to RIB at Nyamirama station for further investigation.

Cannabis is classified as a "very severe narcotic drug" in Rwanda with a sentence, under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general, ranging between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of up to Frw30 million.