Rwanda National Police

Fighting and preventing drug trade and consumption has been one of the priorities of the Rwanda National Police in the past years.

The force has since been engaged in breaking the supply chain by mapping-out individuals and groups involved in this crime. The public in various parts of the country have been vital in this campaign, which led to the arrest hundreds of dealers, most of whom have been prosecuted and drugs such as cannabis and illicit brews seized and destroyed.

Awareness programmes in communities, on radios and during special occasions like ‘community policing and Police Week’ have changed the mindset on drug abusers and the public in general to stamp-out this vice.

The achievements are noticeable in communities, according to local leaders and the public.

Kirehe and Rubavu districts, which used to be major transit routes, also took stern measures, which saw a tremendous decrease.

“The public have owned the campaign and they provide us with information of the few people that still indulge in drug-related crimes,” SSP Karangwa Murenge, Rubavu District Police Commander, said.

“We work with the community and local entities on a daily basis, conducts awareness against it and other crimes, and many people who used to deal in drugs, have abandoned them and have taken better path like acquiring short term loans to start legal small income generating businesses,” SSP Karangwa added.

“There is still great need for all Rwandans to engage in fighting drug abuse and other crimes because this should be a two-way exercise, if we have to succeed effectively,” he emphasised.

Senior Superintendent (SSP) Felix Bizimana, Kirehe District Police Commander said they identified porous borders, which are normally used to sneak the drugs and other illegal things, into the country.

“Drug-related crimes decreased at a high rate in Kirehe due to routine operations, sensitizations on the dangers of the vice and the quick response by the public to report those dealing in it,” SSP Bizimana said.

SSP Bizimana appealed to the public for continued cooperation to prevent crimes and arrest wrongdoers, including drug dealers.

He also asked parents to take an upper hand to protect their children from engaging in drug related crimes.

Health experts say drug abuse has negative impact on the people’s health and mental thinking in particular.

Article 598 of the penal code stipulates that, any person who manufactures, sells, prescribes a drug, harmful products, cosmetics or body hygiene and other herbal substances prohibited in healing practice, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of Rwf1 million to Rwf 5 million or one of these penalties.