English
Kinyarwanda
Commercial motorcyclists have been warned over the habit of facilitating drug trafficking and transporting narcotics and banned gin for a higher pay.
The warning follows the arrest of some of the cyclists in the recent past including the duo; Peter Munyaneza and Daniel Uwimana, who were apprehended on Friday in Kabarorere, Gatsibo district after they were intercepted transporting 120 litres of Kanyanga, a banned crude gin.
The motorcycle registration number RC 439D on which the suspects were riding, was also confiscated and taken to Kabarorere police station, where they are currently detained as investigations are still ongoing.
Another motorcycle was confiscated in Nyagatare district after the owner and the drug trafficker he was transporting, leaving it there and 12 cartoons of Chief Waragi, another illicit gin.
“There are motorcyclists who have a habit of working with individuals involved in illegal businesses like drugs and smuggling; this is a stern warning because if they are arrested, they will be treated as accomplices,” Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police Spokesperson for the Eastern region, warned.
Under article 594 of the penal code, any person who, unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country faces a prison sentence of three to five years and a fine of Rwf500, 000 and Rwf5 million.
“The law is clear and we are also wide awake to apprehend all those who continue to close their ears and goes ahead into unlawful activities,” he added.
He appealed to the general public to continue providing information so that such people are arrested and to effectively combat drug abuse in the country.
