Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has continued its operations against individuals and groups that traffic and supply narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Targeting and breaking chains of supply is a deliberate effort to fight and prevent narcotics on the market, save especially the young people, who are the majority victims and prevent other crimes that are fueled by drugs like theft, sexual and domestic violence.

In the latest operations conducted separately on Wednesday, September 21, Police in partnership with local authorities and residents arrested two suspected drug dealers in Gakenke and Rulindo with combined 1012 pellets of cannabis.

Pierre Mvukiyehe alias Mvuka, 69, was arrested in Gashubi Village, Rwamamba, Cell in Mugunga Sector, Gakenke District with 900 rolls of cannabis.

Meanwhile, one Abdoul Dusabimana, 39, was arrested at his home in Munyarwanda Cell, Ngoma Sector in Rulindo District where Police recovered  112 pellets of cannabis.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Alex Ndayisenga, the Northern Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), commended the residents, who provided information on the criminal acts of the two people.

"Mvukiyehe and Dusabimana were suspected drug dealers and it was just a matter of time to arrest them. On Wednesday, residents called the Police after they got credible information that the two retailers of cannabis had brought new consignments and hid them in their respective homes, where they were recovered and suspects arrested," SP Ndayisenga said.

They were handed over to RIB for further investigations.

"If you know anyone dealing in narcotic drugs in your community, we urge you to call the Police immediately. Safeguarding the young people from drug abuse is the responsibility of everyone," said SP Ndayisenga.

Cannabis is classified as a very severe narcotic drug in Rwanda.

Anyone convicted for dealing in severe narcotic drugs faces a sentence of between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Frw20 million and Frw30 million, under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general.