Rwanda National Police

About 35 kilogrammes of cannabis and 144 litres of kanyanga, an illegal gin were destroyed in Rwamagana district on June 25 as the Rwanda National Police intensifies efforts to combat the vice which is rated high among the youth.

The illicit drugs were confiscated in the district in the past one month. Fighting drug abuse is among the ten priorities of the force.

The public destruction exercise was also attended by local leaders, representatives from judicial courts and prosecution, students and commercial motorcycle operators and area residents among others.

Also destroyed include about thirteen tones of a local plant called kabaruka.

The trees were either cut illegally in the district or were intercepted as they were being transported to other parts or outside the country, through Rwamagana.

The illegal felling of kabaruka trees is most common in the Eastern province.

It is said that the plant used as a raw material in the production of perfumes and lotions, is said to be trafficked through porous borders to the neighbouring countries.

The District Police Commander, Supt. Richard Rubagumya warned against the illegal acts adding that stringent measures were initiated to deal with suppliers.

“We are now identifying and breaking the supply chain and we know some of the people involved; we will not tire until all those involved are arrested to face justice for their illegal acts,” Supt. Rubagumya warned.

He appealed to the community to report all those involved to that they are arrested.

He also urged students to report those that try to lure them into such criminal acts, which he said might hamper their education dreams.