English
Kinyarwanda
They might have spent months or even years counting their living on dealing in narcotic and illicit drugs, but the lessons learnt in an illegal act has since turned former drug dealers in Gatsibo district, ambassadors against the vice.
On November 10, the reformed drug dealers and abusers in Kabarore Sector in Gatsibo reached out to members in their sector with messages on how enrolling in the unlawful business is just a wastage of time, and a loss.
Marcel Zirimabagabo, 30, one of those who gave testimonies on the ordeal saying that he used to deal in varied illicit substances.
“For months I was involved in selling kanyanga (banned gin) and cannabis, I don’t recall making any profit, save for nights I would spend trying to sneak the drugs from one place to another, in most cases unsuccessfully,” said Zirimabagabo.
He said he decided to refrain from the act after he was approached by a police officer, counseled him and advised him to “do away with the impossible.”
“Since then, I have been involved in several other legal businesses and my family is happy, not like in the past when I would spend nights away in illegal dealings or fearing that I will be arrested.”
His colleagues shared similar messages recalling a number of times they were arrested and their illegal goods seized.
Close to 600 area residents turned up for the meeting that aimed at sensitizing them on dangers of drug abuse, and to fight gender based violence.
Inspector of Police, Bizumuremyi Charles, thanked the former drug dealers for opening their eyes towards that right direction of a better living.
Fighting drug abuse like any other crime, Bizumuremyi said, is the responsibility of everyone adding that when there’s insecurity, everyone is affected.
The meeting was also attended by local leaders who also called upon Kabarore residents to be at the forefront of crime prevention by partnering with police through community policing.
