Rwanda National Police

A Primary court in Nyamagabe District, on July 28, held a public  hearing for one Emmanuel Ntakirutimana charged for alleged drug trafficking.

According to Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, the public trial was held in the spirit of raising awareness and sending a atrong message against drug dealers.

Ntakirutimana had been arrested trafficking over 200 pieces of cannabis.

“All initiatives to fight and prevent  drug related crimes are implemented jointly with all partners in security, judiciary, governance and the public in general, and this specific public hearing is in that line,” IP Kayigi said.

The open hearing was witnessed by over 300 residents.

Prosecution request a maximum sentence for Ntakirutimana, which is five years under article 594 of the penal code.

IP Kayigi, thanked residents who collaborate with law enforcement agencies and local authorities to arrest Ntakirutimana, and other wrongdoers.

“Today, it's easier to know and arrest a suspected criminal including drug dealers because of the real time information flow between the public and security organs,” Kayigi said.

The hearing also included public destruction of illicit drugs worth about Rwf4 milliin, seized in various operations in the past few months.

The disposed of narcotics include over 165kgs of cannabis, and contrabands in various brands.