Rwanda National Police

Commercial motorcyclists operating in Gatsibo District have been called upon to be vigilant and desist from facilitating drug dealers.

They were urged to join efforts in fighting drug trafficking by reporting drug dealers including those attempting to use their transport services.

The call was made recently by the mayor of Gatsibo Richard Gasana. The meeting was also attended by local residents.

While thanking the motorcyclists for the great work they do to easy movement of people and supporting the national economic development, the mayor also remarked that it's equally their duty to fight anything that can affect the social wellbeing of the people especially illicit drugs.

“Some of you or your colleagues have been arrested in drug related crimes in the past; either transporting drugs and dealers or being dealers hiding behind this transport business," the mayor observed.

He warned them against such criminal acts, but took time to thank those who continue to be exemplary in their business and reporting drug dealers and lawbreakers in general.

Mayor Gasana urged them to always be vigilant on the luggage and people they transport, and report to security organs whenever they suspect someone to be involved in any unlawful or criminals acts.

“When you share information on drug dealers, you are preventing crimes and the violence such psychotropic substances bring to families and communities; preventing serious health effects, saving children that mainly fall prey and saving and venturing your money into legal businesses, which facilitates economic growth and development,” Mayor Gasana told the motorcyclists and residents.

On his part, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) John Muhirwa, the District Police Commander of Gatsibo, also observed that most drug dealers are facilitated by motorcyclists to transport them and their substances, from one place to another.

The DPC also hinted on their recklessness and violation of road safety standards, which at times into fatalities.

Daniel Ngarambe, the president of the federation of motorcycle cooperatives (FERWACOTAMO), appealed to members in Gatsibo to always be defined by exemplary conduct, desist from act that tarnish their image, work with the people in security and development matters.

He also appealed to them to distance themselves and report their, who engage in criminal acts.

The federation is building a database to register every commercial motorcyclist and owners of motorcycles, which will also help to trace implicated wrongdoers, keep records of their members’ behaviour and help them to take action against errand riders, including expelling them.

They also intend to start issuing service card to each of their member for easy identification, as well as organise them in clusters through which they will be discussing such issues as safety, security and development.