Rwanda National Police

Police in Gakenke District has arrested two wanted drug traffickers and illicit alcohol dealers in the Northern Province.

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Northern Region Police Spokesperson, the duo is part of the five illicit traders who were reported by residents for involvement in the trade; the three remain at large and in the pursuit of law enforcers.

The spokesperson said that the police have intensified operations against drug and other contrabands in the region; it has arrested dozens of suspects who include youths who are being lured into the sale and consumption of drugs.

Speaking in Gakenke on January 19, CIP Twizeyimana said the two suspects are major peddlers of drugs at the village level.

“It is unfortunate that our youths are falling into criminal traps and being used to sell drugs. This is a worrying trend that might escalate into major crimes if action is not taken and it’s why police will not relent until all of them are apprehended” said CIP Twizeyimana.

He identified the suspects as Theresphore Mugenzi, 35, and Daniel Mugabushaka, 38.

CIP Twizeyimana explained that Mugabushaka had earlier escaped police arrest after he abandoned several litres of illicit brew locally known as Kanyanga, which is believed to have been collected from Uganda through porous border entry points, according to area residents.

The police applauds the residents for their cooperation in fighting against crimes, and urges them to keep the momentum in the campaign against drugs and other crimes.

The suspects have been handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for further management.

Under article 263 of the new penal code anyone convicted of producing, transforming, transporting, storing, giving to another or selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances faces a penalty of imprisonment between seven years and a life sentence, including fines of up to thirty million Rwandan Francs (30,000,000 Frw).