Rwanda National Police

Police in Gakenke District has reached out to the students of Lycee Catholic St. Alain with a message to fight against drug abuse, and to become ambassadors in their communities by sensitizing residents about the ill effects of drug abuse.

The message was delivered on May 8, when Police met with over 700 students at their school  to debate about dangers of drug use among youth and how they can work with Police to overcome drug dealers in their communities.

These discussions also attracted local leaders, teachers and residents from the area.

In her remarks, the District Liaison Officer of Gakenke, Inspector of Police Alexandre Mwezi,  told the youth that drug dealers usually target young people who they consider to be naive about the dangerous effects of drugs, for their illegal personal gains.

"You should show drug dealers that you know the effects of using such narcotics and refuse their advances.  Important as well,  you should collaborate with local authorities and Police to identify such criminals," IP Mwezi said.

"Drugs and school don't mix. If any of you decide to abuse drugs, they will jeopardise your academics and instead lead you into other dangerous activities like violence and theft."

IP Mwezi also assured the youth that Police will always be available and willing to help those who provide timely reports against drug dealers and also those who require rehabilitation to stop abusing drugs.

The school Headmaster, Theogene Twagiramungu,  commended Police for endeavoring to reach out to the youth, and called upon students to be responsible by concentrating on their studies rather than joining gangs that introduce them to dangerous drugs.

"Rwanda has shown that young people are very important in the development process of the country; therefore, you should be responsible and prove to those who have hope in you that you can perform your role in development, " he said.

"Always report those who want to infiltrate schools with such bad habits of drug abuse and also, reach out to your home communities with the anti - drug message."

As part of its efforts to rid the country of narcotics,  RNP constantly reaches out to youth in communities and in schools to teach them about the dangers involved in drug abuse.

RNP also conducts operations countrywide and in border communities to ensure that drug dealers are arrested and that narcotics are confiscated and destroyed.