Rwanda National Police

Police in Kirehe District on Wednesday intercepted a Kigali-bound Tanzanian registered transit trailer carrying about 70 kilogrammes of cannabis.

The truck registration number T 608 BTY, Scania type was intercepted at a snap check in Nyabikokora Cell of Kirehe sector along Rusumo-Kigali highway.

Three people; Hussein Hadji Mponda, the driver, his co-driver Mgulunde Likimani Majariwa and a Rwandan Elias Ntamukunzi, were also arrested.

Ntamukunzi, a resident of Gatore also in Kirehe is said to be the owner of the illegal drug and had hired his accomplices to transport it, Police said.

“As Police was checking the vehicle, Ntamukunzi tried to escape but they pursued and apprehended him,” SSP Benoit Nsengiyumva, Police spokesperson for the Eastern province, said.

He said the seizure and the arrest of the main suspects was based on credible information provided by “a responsible resident in Kirehe.”

Protais Murayire, Kirehe mayor commended the role of the residents especially in fighting drug abuse and cautioned youth against the vice which is said to be the major cause of other crimes in communities.

He commended the police vigilance against the vice, adding that he would continue mobilising local leaders to rally behind the campaign.