Rwanda National Police

Four people have been arrested in Nyagatare district in connection with trafficking and selling a banned gin commonly known as kanyanga, into the country.

Anastase Mpozembizi, 30, Jean Claude Habanabakiza, 21, Sam Mugisha, 22 and a 23 year-old Dismas Nsengiyaremye were apprehended on April 14 in Gitengure Cell of Tabagwe Sector with about 240 liters of the illicit gin.

Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, Police spokesperson for the Eastern Province, said the quartet was arrested at about 8:30 pm, while transporting three jerrycans full of kanyanga, each, on bicycles.

He commended area residents who tipped off Police on the activities of the suspects, but reminded the general public, especially those residing along the border, to be strengthen community policing to fight and prevent such illegal activities by reporting those involved.

"We have said it time and again in communities and awareness campaigns against drug abuse; Kanyanga is among the listed illicit drinks in the country and anyone dealing in it is going against the law and will be arrested to face the law," said IP Kayigi.

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.