Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) Anti-Narcotics Unit arrested eight people said to be dealers and abusers of hard drugs.

They were arrested in coordinated operations conducted in Nyarugenge and Huye districts.

Seven of the suspects were arrested in Ngoma Sector, Huye District.

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, the arrest of the seven suspects in Huye followed information provided by one abuser of heroin identified as Espoir Nduwayo, in Rwezamenyo of Nyarugenge District.

“Following the arrest of Nduwayo on December 25, who was found with heroin, he led officers to his supplier identified as Faustin Ngabo alias Ogi in Huye, who was caught with 11 pellets of heroin," CIP Twajamahoro said.

"Police also arrested five other people, who were at the time buying heroin from Ngabo."

He identified other suspects as Abdul Sadam alias Chady, 24, Yves Murwanashyaka, 22, Richard Mutabazi 23, Olivier Nshimiyimana, 19, and Tuyishime Allain.

Another suspect identified as Umubyeyi Nailla, who is also one of Ngabo's retailers, was arrested later in Ngoma Sector.

CIP Twajamahoro thanked those who facilitated the Police with information, which led to breaking the ring of heroin dealers and abusers.

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Heroin is classified as “severe narcotic drugs” under article 263 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general in Rwanda.

The article provides a life sentence and a fine of more than Rwf20 million and not more than Rwf30 million, to anyone convicted of trafficking and selling severe narcotic drugs.