Rwanda National Police

Two dealers in khat were arrested in Gikondo Sector, Kicukiro District on Wednesday.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that Mussa Abayisenga, 25, and Jean Marie Dushimiyimana, 29, were found with 29 bundles of mirungi, at the time of their arrest in Marembo II Village, Kanserege Cell.

Also known as miraa, mairungi is a leafy substance that contains a stimulant drug, according to health experts, and classified as a narcotic drug in Rwanda.

The law governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors in Rwanda defines narcotic drugs as “chemical substance that affects the processes of the mind or body and whose consumption whether swallowed, sniffed or by way of any other mode exerts impact on human health.”

“Abayisenga and Dushimiyimana were known to be dealers in narcotics in Gikondo. During an operation conducted by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Anti-Narcotics Unit, they were found with 29 bundles of khat,” said CIP Umutesi.

Mirungi remains one of the less talked about psychotropic substances that affect users like maize-eating caterpillar.

Although cases related to trafficking and use of khat remains too low compared to other drugs like cannabis and other narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, CIP Umutesi said, the law is clear and we don’t treat it any different during police operations

Side effects

Khat is a drug composed of leaves of a wild plant and considered harmful to users. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified khat in 1980 as a narcotic drug that can produce psychological dependence.

Medical experts say the use of khat cause many side effects including mood changes, excessive talkativeness, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, manic behaviour, paranoia, and psychoses. Insomnia or trouble sleeping, loss of energy (malaise), and lack of concentration usually follow.

It contains two mild stimulants; cathinone and cathine, and is associated with increased risk for a variety of medical complications, including dental disease and mouth cancers, heart problems, liver disease, sleep problems and reduced appetite.

Legal implication

In Rwanda, khat is classified as a narcotic drug and is listed among the psychotropic substances and banned under the ministerial order nº20/35 of 09/6/2015 determining unauthorised drinks and other controlled substances classified as narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors.

Under article 263 of the new penal code, anyone convicted of producing, transforming, transporting, storing, giving to another or selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances faces a penalty of between seven years and life in prison and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.