Rwanda National Police

Separate Police operations against use and trade of narcotic drugs conducted in the districts of Rusizi and Ngororero on July 18 led to the arrest of five people.

The suspects are identified as Eliezer Ndahimana, Theogene Shyirambere, Elias Mazimpaka, Issa Nshimiyimana and Djuma Bwugamo.

At the time of their arrest, the suspects were found with an assortment of narcotic drugs that include cannabis and varied brands of banned gin.

Police also recovered motorcycle spare parts from the house where Shyirambere and Mazimpaka were living in in Mushaka Cell, Rwimbogo Sector in Rusizi.

The duo, however, claimed that the spare parts belong to other people, who left them there.

Police spokesperson for the Western region, Superintendent Emmanuel Hitayezu said investigations are still ongoing to find out how the spare parts ended in the same house, owners and where they got them from.

"We will ascertain if these are spare parts of motorcycles stolen, and find out all those that could be connected to this alleged theft, if investigations proves so," Hitayezu said.

He further warned the public against making, selling and consuming illicit drugs and appealed to them to instead be agents of change in their communities by reporting those involved.

"When you look at the level at which illicit drugs are seized and those involved, it is very high. This is because Rwanda National Police has doubled the efforts and employed more strategies which leads to such positives results, with the ultimate goal of breaking the supply chain," he added.

"But again, we are seeing stronger cooperation and commitment from members of the public through community policing because most of those we arrest or drugs seized is based on credible information we get from them."

"People shouldn't invest their money in illegal and criminal businesses because it's another loss. We will confiscate them and on top of that suspects will face the wrath of law. We therefore don't need that. People should deal in genuine ventures because they are many."

He urged the public to fight, prevent and report anything that might affect their community safety and their well-being.