Rwanda National Police

On Friday, October 20, Police arrested two suspected drug dealers in Ngoma and Gasabo districts in connection with trafficking and distributing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the country.

One of the suspects, a 22-year old, was apprehended in Nyabagaza village, Rujambara cell of Rurenge sector in Ngoma District, with 2.5kgs of cannabis.

Another 35-year old suspect was taken into custody after the Police recovered 1200 pellets of cannabis in his house located in Gasharu village, Bwiza cell, Ndera sector in Gasabo District .

The successful operations were facilitated by information provided by area residents.

"On October 20, at about 10a.m, Police in Ngoma District got information on a man, who had received a consignment of cannabis delivered by a taxi-moto operator. Police officers deployed arrested the suspect at the scene with 2.5kgs of cannabis, and handed over to RIB.

We are still searching for the taxi-moto operator, who allegedly brought the narcotics," Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, explained.

SP Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that the second suspect arrested in Ndera, Gasabo District was a local leader that was being trailed until he was caught red-handed.

Trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is punishable under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general.

It partly states that, any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to an imprisonment of 20 year and life, and a fine of between Frw20 million and Frw30 million, in regard to severe narcotic drugs.

Cannabis is classified as a severe narcotic drug in Rwanda.