Rwanda National Police

Hundreds of residents in Ngoma District joined Police officers operating in the area to denounce and campaign against trade and use of illicit drugs.

The exercise held in Kibungo Sector on June 9, started with a 'Walk against drug abuse' and included the destruction of the seized drugs that include about 200 kilogrammes of cannabis and over 900 liters of Kanyanga, a banned crude gin.

It was also attended by local leaders, youth and  students, commercial motorcyclists

Supt. Paul Byuma, the Ngoma District Police  Commander, while speaking shortly after the public destruction of drugs, noted that some of the common crimes in the district are fueled and committed by drug users.

He singled out cases of assaults especially in bars where these illicit drinks are sold and consumed, domestic violence and petty theft as some of the crimes that are caused by use of such dangerous drugs.

"You should not allow such crimes to persist in your societies, and the best way to stop that is to break the main causes. You are also empowered to identify and fight what can hamper your safety, security and peace by providing information about such individuals," Supt. Byuma said.

"You need to stand up and revive the dignity of Rwandans as patriotic citizens. We can't allow to be diverted by such individuals. Aim at development as you fight what can affect your dream."

He further explained to them repercussions involved in anyone caught in drug related crimes.

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."

Under Article 594 of the Rwandan penal code, any person, who consumes, injects, inhales, anoints him/herself with or makes any other unlawful use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of one (1) year to three (3) years and a fine of fifty thousand (50,000) to five hundred thousand (500,000) Rwandan francs.

 It further states, in clause two, that anyone 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 key  priorities.