Rwanda National Police

The Northern region has strengthened operations and awareness in a bid to break the link between suppliers of narcotic drugs and consumers to ultimately reduce distribution.

On August 9, Police in the region conducted an awareness campaign in Burera District, one of the districts where illicit brew and banned gin is still rated high in the region.

At least illicit drugs and substances valued at over Rwf45 million have been seized in Burera alone in the last seven months and close to 100 people arrested in connection with the unlawful act, according to a report by the District Police Unit.

The confiscated illicit gin include over 2100 litres of Kanyanga, 1815 dozens of Blue Sky, 74 dozens of Chief Waragi, 74 dozens of Coffee Spirit and 128 dozens of Host Waragi.
Others include 265 dozens of Kitoko, Kick Waragi and Zebra Waragi.

Chief Supt. Sam Rumanzi, the Northern Region Police Commander, while speaking to over 1000 residents of Burera on Tuesday, noted that the spirit and partnership in the drive against drug abuse is still alive, and called for continued timely information sharing on dealers and abusers.

“Be an eye for your neighbor; we have time and again reminded the public that these gin were banned in Rwanda due to their content which is harmful but we will press on to ensure mindset change but also enforcing the law on defiant people,” CSP Rumanzi said.

The  district mayor, Frolence Uwambajemariya presided over the awareness campaign and present also was local leaders and partners including Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing, community policing committees, anti-crime clubs and civil society organization.

Mayor Uwambajemariya urged the residents to value security as a source of their stability, peace and development, she also encouraged them to work closely with security organs especially Rwanda National Police.