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Kinyarwanda
Police in Kirehe District have urged students to say no to drugs, concentrate on their education and be agents of community policing by reporting drug dealers.
They were also advised to desist from alcoholism, which is both unlawful to anyone aged below 18 years, and a likely obstacle to their education and development dreams.
While speaking to over 400 students currently attending civic education – Itorero – at Akagera International School in Gatore Sector, on January 7, Inspector of Police (IP) Gahigi Harerimana, reminded them that abusing drugs drives users astray, drive them into other criminal acts for quick cash, weakened life, instead of engaging in gainful economic activities.
IP Gahigi, who is the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Kirehe, said that “early intervention plays an important role in keeping the youth from embarking on a life of crime but help reduce the incidence of crime.”
“The socio-economic costs related to youth substance abuse are inacceptable. You have to be healthy and focused, which is impossible under the influence of drugs,” he said.
Experts say signs and symptoms of the addicts may include restlessness, inability to experience pleasure, fatigue, increased sleep, vivid dreams, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, drug craving and increased appetite in some individuals.
Abusing drugs also cause heart diseases like kidney, liver and hepatitis, according to health experts.
He tipped them on tricks used by drug traffickers which include seducing young people and using them to traffic and sell narcotics.
“Be Police agents and protect your communities by reporting dealers,” IP Gahigi told the students.
