Rwanda National Police

The youth in Gasabo District have started sensitization campaigns especially focusing on fighting illicit drugs.

The campaign, which started on July 28, in Gisozi Sector, is spearheaded by members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP) in Gasabo.

The campaign in Gisozi attracted over 600 young people. It is being held under the theme: “Let us fight drug abuse.” The campaign is designed to supplement the ongoing national initiatives to combat the scourge.

While addressing the youth, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Irene Umuhozari, the District Community Liaison Office (DCLO), thanked them for the community policing effort and pledged Rwanda National Police’s support in their security activities.

CIP Umuhozari reminded them the young people are the vast majority affected by psychotropic substances, adding that their initiative will go a long way to add a voice in calling for concerted efforts to address the problem and to save the youth.

Statistics indicate that 18 percent of all the 3941 cases recorded last year were related to drugs.

The report further shows that a total of 4149 people were arrested in drug related crimes in the same period, with over 71 percent of them aged between 18 and 35 years.

“When we walk this journey together, we will be able to know who drug dealers are through information sharing, we will educate the young people and prevent them from consuming such substances,” the DCLO told the youngsters.