English
Kinyarwanda
Scores of taxi-moto operators have been arrested in separate Police operations conducted in different parts of the country, either transporting narcotic drugs or drug dealers.
In the latest operation conducted on Sunday, August 13, Police arrested a 35-year old taxi-moto operator in Kagoma village, Isangano cell of Ndego sector, Kayonza District transporting 15kgs of cannabis.
He was enroute to his home village in Karambi cell also in Ndego, according to Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region.
"At about 05a.m on Sunday, Police officers on duty in Isangano cell intercepted a motorcycle plate number RC 257V and arrested its rider, who was transporting 15kgs of cannabis. The motorcycle was also impounded to Ndego Police station where the suspect was handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB)," SP Twizeyimana said.
The suspect is believed to be a drug dealer with a cannabis store in Isangano cell, where he had picked the consignment after sneaking in into Rwanda from Tanzania, recently.
At the time of his arrest, it is suspected that he was going to supply his retailing clients in his home village.
SP Twizeyimana warned taxi-moto operators against engaging in or facilitating criminality. He also thanked the public, who work with the Police through information sharing on suspected drug traffickers and local dealers.
Cannabis is listed among very severe drugs under the Ministerial order n? 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation.
The penalty for dealing in very severe drugs, under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general ranges between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of Frw20 million to Frw30 million.
