Rwanda National Police

Police operations to crackdown on drug dealers in Nyanza and Rubavu districts conducted on April 25 led to the arrest of four people who include a woman, suspected to be involved in this illegal business.

Police also impounded 100 litres of  illicit crude gin called Kanyanga and 200 rolls of cannabis.

The ongoing operations are part of a countrywide campaign aimed at protecting the country against the trade, smuggling and use of dangerous and banned products.

Three of the suspects identified as  Innocent Habineza, Pierre Ndayisenga and Juvenal Nsengiyumva were arrested in Nyanza District, while the fourth suspect, a woman identified as Olive Irankunda was arrested in Rubavu.

The District Police Commander for Nyanza, Senior Superintendent Francis Muheto, said that the successful operation indicates progress in police-public relations, which have enabled the sharing of vital information about drug dealers in society and subsequent arrests.

“Preventing the use of drugs and illicit substances in societies and among the youth is a critical national goal. It is not just the work of Police and authorities but by every responsible member of society. It is through this realization that our operations have been successful, because the public is forthcoming with vital information,” he said.

“The effects of drugs should be a social concern that we all should not tolerate. Let us continue this partnership and ensure that our people and communities are safe from the consequences of drug abuse."

Police recently launched a campaign against illicit drugs and narcotics which started in Kirehe District and was extended to other parts of the country.

Through the launch officers conducted successful operations, and also employed sniffer dogs that enabled detection of hidden drugs in suspected areas.

RNP has also been able to control the streets and rid them of crimes committed by drug users, while at the same time, successful operations have led to arrest of drug smugglers and confiscation of a variety of drugs.

Many of the suspects have been arrested, prosecuted and are serving their sentences – and Police regularly conducts destruction of confiscated drugs in the public as part of the continuous efforts to deter such crimes reinforced police awareness campaigns.

On top of that, Police conduct sensitization campaigns in communities to educate people about the negatives associated with abusing drugs and also approaches schools to prevent the youth from experimenting with drugs, but also enforcing the law agaisnt drugs.

Article 594 of the Rwandan Penal Code states that, any person who, unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of  between Rwf500,000 and Rwf5m.