Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) destroyed narcotic drugs worth over Rwf15 million in Burera District, in part of nationwide campaigns aimed at protecting the country against the effects of drug abuse.

The destroyed drugs include 2,542 liters of illicit gin commonly known as kanyanga and 4,201 dozens of a banned brand called Blue Sky, among others.

The narcotics were impounded from different parts of the District, in Police operations conducted in the past two months.

Others destroyed in the public exercise attended by hundreds of area residents and students include 84 dozens of Host Waragi and 39 dozens of Coffee Spirit, all banned gin in Burera district.

The drug destruction exercise coincided with the completion of the week-long training and rehabilitation of 93 reformed former drug dealers at Rugarama Transit Centre in Burera District, who were reintegrated in the community.

Some of the destroyed illicit gin were seized from the rehabilitated and reintegrated youth.

During the destruction event on May 9, also attended by residents of Burera, Police urged the former drug dealers to reinforce the fight against the vice and embrace  ventures that develop both their lives and the country in general.

Samuel Sembagare, the Mayor of Burera District, commended RNP for its successful anti-drugs operations and urged residents to work together in safeguarding the  achievements of  their district.

He also called upon residents to partner with security organs by availing credible information that lead to the arrest of any notorious drug dealers who refuse to abandon the illegal trade.  

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Andre Hakizimana, the Northern Province Police Spokesperson, noted that RNP recognize and value community participation in the fight against the ill effects of narcotic drugs and insecurity they cause in communities as an inevitable ideal in this course.

"Police is working together with authorities in Burera to kick drugs out of the district and to rehabilitate those who are addicted to drugs and those who are drug dealers. Residents should also continue fighting against this vice by collaborating with Police through the provision of timely information about such dealings," he said.

Growing, making, selling, transforming, transporting, storing and consumption of narcotic drugs and illicit substance is prohibited and punishable by law in Rwanda.

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."

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.

Combating drugs abuse is among the RNP priorities.