Rwanda National Police

Young people who refuse to say no to drug abuse will find it hard to do anything meaningful with their lives unless they change before it is too late.

This message was delivered by the Deputy Mayor in charge of Finance in Nyabihu District, Angelique Nyiraminani, in a one day workshop with residents of the district.

“Some youth engage in consuming drugs rather than engage in legal economic activities that can improve their lives. Before they realize it, the world has moved and their colleagues are better off in terms of development. You must value your lives and think of things that make you and Rwanda better,” she said.

“Those who are struggling with addiction can always approach their parents and guardians or necessary public institutions that will help rehabilitate them. Rwanda needs youth who work hard and are of a sober mind.”

The district community Liaison Officer of Nyabihu, Assistant Inspector of Police, Cyprien Nkezabera, echoed the message during the meeting, reminding residents in the district the sell or consumption of illegal drugs and illicit brew are punishable crimes that are not tolerated.

Rwanda National Police conducted anti-drug campaigns throughout the year and partnered with different institutions to disseminate the information throughout the country.

In the just ended year of 2014, four transnational drug traffickers, who were in transit, were intercepted at Kigali International Airport with 8.5 kilograms of cocaine valued at Rwf299 million.

Three of the suspects, Rwandan nationals traveling on Belgian passports, were apprehended on November 18 with 7.4 kilograms of cocaine valued at Euro 296, 000 (Rwf254 million) and were on transit from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Doha and Dakar.

The four cocaine trafficker, a Ugandan born traveling on British passport, was intercepted on August 23 en route to Entebbe from Bujumbura with one kilogram of cocaine valued at about Rwf45 million.