Rwanda National Police

A week-long campaign against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Kirehe District, which ended Tuesday yielded to the seizure of assorted substances valued at over Rwf15 million.

The disposed of narcotics include about 100kgs of cannabis, banned gin and locally made substances.

The campaign organised and conducted jointly by the District Police Unit of Kirehe and local authorities aimed at further educating especially the young people on the dangers of abusing drugs.

It was also a deliberate move to strengthen the ideology of community policing against the vice affecting mainly the youth, who account for about 70 percent of the victims.

The seized illicit drugs were disposed of Tuesday in a public exercise presided over by the Vice mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Jean Nsengiyumva flanked by the District Police Commander, Supt. John Nsanzimana.

The Vice mayor advised the students to avoid the myths leading to drug usage.

“These substances are illegal because they are dangerous to users," Nsengiyumva said, while asking them to listen to their “inner voices and choose the pathways leading to successful and healthy life.”

He observed that narcotics affect the economy of any nation and yields to negative health consequences.

“Drug use also puts a heavy financial burden on individuals, families, and society,” he said, referring money wasted in such criminal business, financial burden to the government in rehabilitation process and the setbacks and suffering dependants face when a dealer is imprisoned.

Supt. Nsanzimana hailed the role of the community in the seizure of the drugs, but warned those still in drugs business to stop before the long arm of the law catches them.

Kirehe is mapped as one of the transit routes for drug traffickers from the neighbouring countries due to its strategic location.