English
Kinyarwanda
Police in Karongi district urged residents to refrain from drug abuse or trafficking and instead report to security organs anyone who may be involved in such unlawful acts.
Police made the call on January 22, where they particularly urged them to refrain from consuming a locally brewed substance known as “marokeri” since it affects their economic prosperity and their health in particular.
Police had initially conducted an operation where they confiscated 1060 liters of marokeri and apprehended nine suspects who are accused of brewing the branded illicit substance.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bernard Gahima, Bwishyura Police station commander, told over 150 residents that marokeri is considered to be a drug basing on its effects.
“The effect of consuming such substances are not only limited to the consumers but his or her family and the nation at large. We are calling on the public to join efforts with all security organs to collectively combat the vice. Such substances are a threat to life and they interfere with security and safety measures within any given community. It is therefore imperative that we all join hands to protect our people from this scourge, especially the youth, the most targeted and most affected,” said CIP Gahima
He went on to add that police have instituted tough counter measures and these initiatives have led to the seizure of all these substances and arrest of suspects involved.
"There is also big participation of citizens that contributes greatly to this success."
“The fight against drug abuse requires strong partnership with Police – therefore – all responsible residents need to come together and devise initiatives to overcome this scourge. When we continue to work together, dealers will understand that there is no room for their illegal operations in our community,” he said
The Executive secretary of Bwishyura sector, Emmanuel Mutuyimana, also emphasised the need to avoid such substances saying that they are a major contributor to poverty and criminality.
