Rwanda National Police

In an effort to further curb drug abuse especially among the youth, Police in conjunction with local leaders in Nyagatare District, yesterday, reached out to about 800 students of Matimba Teachers Training College (TTC) and urged them not to fall prey and to report dealers.

They were also reminded that as aspiring teachers, they should be free from drugs and join efforts to prevent the young people from either abusing or selling the substances.

While addressing the students, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Eastern region police spokesperson, emphasized on “reporting any person you suspect or know to be involved in drug related crime.”

“Drug abuse leads to several ill activities in society, including violence, burglary, and gender-based crimes like rape and defilement. The country expects the youth to be the light of society – you need to focus on your studies and enrich your skills so that you can be beneficial in rebuilding Rwanda.” CIP Kanamugire told the students.

During the sensitization campaign officials also disposed of several contrabands valued at over Rwf11 million, seized recently in security operations conducted within the district.

"The messages came very strong and even if you haven't gone through it, just hearing other people go through it you definitely feel the impact," said one female student after the meeting.  “I'm hoping that by speaking out and raising our voices as the young people about drugs we would create impact," she said.