Rwanda National Police

Separate Police operations against drug-related crimes conducted in Musanze district in the last few months intercepted contrabands and other psychotropic substances worth over Rwf10 million 

The seized drugs were destroyed on Friday in a public exercise that also aimed at showing and sensitizing residents on dangers caused by the drugs, and consequences that awaits either dealers of consumers.

According to Inspector of Police (IP) Innocent Gasasira, the police spokesperson for the Northern Province, the seized and destroyed illicit gin include crude gin called Kanyanga, gins packed in banned plastic bags like Blue Sky, chief Waragi, kitoko, and cannabis.

While addressing residents and local leaders shortly after the destruction exercise, IP Gasasira underscored the significance of continued partnership against the vice.

"Fighting drug trafficking and abuse is a preventive measure against other crimes like domestic and gender based violence, assault, theft and child abuse, among others, which are in most cases committed by people under the influence of drugs," said Gasasira.

He also took them through different laws against drug trafficking and abuse, and urged them to report whoever they suspect to be involved in these and other crimes.

Drug-related crimes are punishable under articles 593 to 598 of the Rwandan penal code with a sentence of up to 10 years and financial fines.