Rwanda National Police

On September 18, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Musanze, Inspector of Police (IP) Viateur Ntiyamira sensitized students of Groupe Scolaire Shingiro on dangers of abusing drugs, and the life challenges brought about by early pregnancies and parenthood.

While addressing about 760 students, IP Ntiyamira told them that some children have failed to live their dreams after indulging in abusing psychotropic substances.

The community policing exercise was also attended by the school head-teacher Emmanuel Nteziryayo and other members of teaching staff.

He outlined cannabis, gins like Kanyanga, Chief Waragi, Zebra Waragi and other gins packed in banned plastic bags, as well as other locally made brew, as some of the major narcotic drugs in Rwanda.

“There are laws in place that penalize anyone that traffics, sells or consume these drugs. Unfortunately, majority victims and criminals fall in the youth age bracket, including students, who dreams have been shuttered,” IP Ntiyamira said.

He added: “Your parents and the government want you to have a better future, and you should seize each chance.”

He also took them through laws against drug related crimes, and appealed to girls not to be seduced by boys into sexual practices that leads to unwanted pregnancies, spread of STDs and prevents them from chasing their dreams.

The law governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors in Rwanda, in its Article 24, also states that "any drink that exceeds forty five percent of alcohol and any other drink which doesn't have the required quality for consumption shall be considered as narcotic drug.

The Ministerial Order Nº 20/35 of 09/06/2015, determining unauthorized drinks and other controlled substances classified as narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, listed a number of drinks and other unauthorised substances classified as narcotics in Rwanda.

Article 594 of the Rwandan penal code, stipulates that, any person who, unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of Rwf500,000 to Rwf5 million.