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Kinyarwanda
Police officers at Rubavu-Goma border post have arrested a man, who concealed 104 rolls of cannabis in the shoes he was wearing and attempted to traffic them into the country.
According to the Western region police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Innocent Gasasira, the suspect identified as Amin Ngirabanzi was arrested on May 30, around midday at the border post as he processed entry document.
“The officers at the border had substantial information regarding Ngirabanzi possible drug trafficking and when he arrived at the border they searched him and found the drugs concealed in his shoes and he was immediately taken into custody,” said CIP Gasasira.
Speaking about tricks, the spokesperson said; “We are able to know different tricks traffickers use because of the thriving partnership with the people, who give us credible information. Any other trick that drug dealers could be using and yet to be known, will also come to light eventually and dealers will be arrested to face justice.”
He commended the role of the public in fighting drug related crimes.
Drug traffickers especially those using Rubavu route, have been rolling out different tricks to traffic cannabis into the country but often time, they fall in the hands of the law enforcers.
Some swim through Lake Kivu with bags of cannabis despite risks to be blown away by waves. Others wrap them around the body, stash them in luggage, pumpkins and bicycle tyres; women carry them at the back as babies or masquerade as expecting mothers; others put them in their veils or Taqiyah (Muslim cap) while others hire vehicles and motorcycles especially at night.
There are also cases where traffickers have been arrested using milk cans including traditional containers locally known as Icyansi as well as juice and milk packets.
Mid-last month, two drug traffickers were also arrested in Rusizi District trafficking over 200, 000 rolls of cannabis, which was concealed in 16 gas cylinders.
“We have uncovered all these tricks, and we thank the good cooperation with the people but calling for strengthened vigilance and information sharing on anyone that is still involved in these criminal businesses and poisoning the people, especially the young generation, who are the majority affected,” the spokesperson said.
