Rwanda National Police

Community policing efforts against illicit drugs in Gicumbi District continues to pay off.

Between June and September alone, Police seized contrabands worth over Rwf8 million.

According to the Police, the substances that include mainly kanyanga and other illicit gins packed in banned plastic bags were seized based on information provided by the people.

The drugs were disposed of Friday in a public exercise held in...sector.

Gicumbi is one of the districts with high cases of drug related crimes due to its strategic location and largely facilitated by porous borders.

Speaking during the public disposal of the substances, the mayor of Gicumbi Felix Ndayambaje commended the spirit of the residents in fighting drugs.

Residents in all the sectors of Gicumbi formed anti-drugs clubs through which they discuss and take measures against contrabands.

Mayor Ndayambaje said that these efforts are continue to prove the effectiveness of community policing and called for "sustainability."

The mayor further urged grassroots leaders to be close and work with the people in community policing and development activities.

"We have to ensure the wellbeing of the people and the youth in particular, and fighting illicit drugs is one of the key measures," Ndayambaje said.

The District Police Commander (DPC), Supt. Gaston Karagire also warned that "operations against drugs will continue."

"Fighting narcotic drugs is one of the Rwanda National Police priorities; it's a national issues that security organs and other government institutions have vowed to address, but counting on you the people," the DPC said.

“We have instituted tough counter measures and these initiatives have led to the seizure of all these drugs and arrest of suspects involved."