Rwanda National Police

Large chunk of narcotics and illicit alcohol have been destroyed in Kirehe District following separate successful anti-drugs operation conducted in the district since January this year.

The public destruction was held on July 22 in Musaza Sector in presence of hundreds of local residents, local leaders and security personnel and representative from prosecution. It was also attended by the young engaged in anti-crime programmes, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Kirehe is among the districts in the country with high cases of drug related crimes due to its strategic location as most of narcotics like cannabis are said to be sneaked into the country from neighbouring countries through porous borders.

At least 74 per cent of narcotics trafficked into Rwanda pass through Kirehe District.

The destroyed drugs included 1.6 tonnes of cannabis and over 183 litres of Kanyanga, a banned gin.

Police Spokesperson for the Eastern Province, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi said during the anti-drugs operations in the last six months, a total of 137 dealers including 15 women, were arrested.

The destroyed drugs were seized in the sectors of Kirehe, Kigarama, Musaza, Gahara and Gatore, where majority dealers were also arrested, he said.

The event was also a moment to sensitize residents on dangers and repercussion that arises out of drug dealings and to call for concerted efforts to combat the vice.

The mayor of Kirehe, Gerard Muzungu, while speaking at the event, commended Rwanda National Police for the successful operations adding that “it’s an achievement in sending strong warning against drug abuse.”

Muzungu advised residents to always cooperate with law enforcers in order to effectively overcome the scourge.

The District Police Commander, Supt. Christian Safari, reminded them that the fight is the responsibility of every citizen through community policing.

“This public exercise is also a moment to showcase what awaits dealers, discourage residents against joining drug dealing gangs – and to promote trust with residents in ensuring that their communities are protected against the effects of drug dealing,” he said.

“Police commends several residents who participated in the operation through the provision of timely information, which facilitated police investigations that led to the seizure of those dangerous drugs which are disruptive to community safety.”

“We have instituted tough counter measures and these initiatives have led to the seizure of all these drugs and arrest of suspects involved. There is also big participation of citizens that contributes greatly to this success.”

Meanwhile IP Kayigi said that most of the arrested drug dealers during the operation were aged below 40 years, not only in Kirehe but in the entire region.

“The war against drug abuse requires strong partnership with Police – therefore – all responsible residents need to come together and devise initiatives to overcome this scourge. When we continue to work together, drug dealers will understand that there is no room for t heir illegal operations in our community,” IP Kayigi said.

Considering that abuse of drugs and illicit alcohol are the root causes of most violent crimes, especially gender-based violence, RNP regularly conducts countrywide operations to clump down on drug dealers, and also carries out sensitization campaigns in communities and schools on the dangers of illicit drugs.