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Two suspected drug traffickers were arrested on Monday, in Rubavu and Rulindo districts respectively. They were at the time of arrest found with over 30kgs of Cannabis.
The suspects are Christine Uwineza, 31, arrested in Rubavu Sector, Rubavu District with 30kg of cannabis, and Murengezi Leonce, 36, arrested in possession of 1300 pellets. He was in vehicle, Coaster type heading to City of Kigali from Rubavu District.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi Western region Police spokesperson said that the arrest of Uwineza followed a tip-off from residents of Rubavu Sector whereby Murengezi was arrested by Traffic Police officers who were on duty in Shyorongi Sector.
“Community night patrols and the strong partnership with the people continue to play a central role in identifying drug dealers. Some residents of Rubavu Sector were on night patrol and alerted Police when they saw a suspicious woman from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” he said.
He added, “We are happy that the community is ready to denounce anyone involved in drug dealings. Drug abuse is usually the cause of other crimes like assault, domestic violence and theft. It also leads to other undesirable outcomes like school drop-outs and unwanted pregnancies. Fighting against drug abuse will reduce those crimes and related undesirable outcomes,” CIP Kayigi observed.
CIP Kayigi warned that Rwanda National Police is on alert and will not stop combating drug related crimes in the country by ensuring drug dealers are brought to book.
“We advised those still involved in drug dealings and other illegal activities to desist from these acts. Police will continue similar operations to ensure all those connected to these crimes are arrested and face the law,” he emphasized.
He added that, “Combating drugs abuse is among the Rwanda National Police priorities.”
Article 263 of Rwanda penal code stipulates that any person who, unlawfully, produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offense, with a sentence upon conviction, ranging between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
