Rwanda National Police

Intensified operations and community awareness against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Nyagatare District led to the seizure of about 179 boxes of illicit gin, Police said.

The substances worth over Rwf7.8 were seized in the last two months in Nyagatare Sector alone.

The Region Police Commander- Eastern, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benoit Sindayiheba Kayijuka, while addressing residents on November 28 at the exercise to dispose of the substances, thanked them for their partnership against the vice, and called for “continued commitment.”

The dispose of exercise was part of the campaign against illicit drugs organized by the Seventh Day Adventist students of University of Rwanda and the East African University-Rwanda.

“Together, we will show drug dealers that they have no route or place to hide. All it requires is individual commitment to report those you suspect to be involved,” ACP Kayijuka said.

Nyagatare is marked as one of the major transit routes especially for illicit gin largely due to its strategic location on the borderline.

Faith-based organizations have for the past months been involved in awareness activities in Nyagatare calling for massive participation in fighting the vice and reporting dealers in particular.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Bishop of Gahini, Rt. Rv. Alexis Birindabagabo.

Last month, other substances worth over Rwf2.3 million were seized and disposed of in Tabagwe Sector. Similar operations also led to the arrest of about 100 dealers in Rwimiyaga Sector in the same period.

ACP Kayijuka commended the role of faith-based groups in fighting trafficking, sell and use of narcotic drugs.

The Mayor of Nyagatare, Claudian Mushabe urged parents and teachers to monitor the children to prevent them from falling prey, and urged them to also report drug dealers.

“As a parent and mentor, your primary responsibility is to give basic needs to your children and that involves protecting them from any dangers including drugs. That tasks you to report your neighbours or community members dealing in drugs,” Mayor Mushabe told the residents.

Bishop Dan Ngamije of the Seventh Day Adventist said that Christianity doesn’t condone sell and abuse of psychotropic substances and urged believers to join the Police and national efforts to combat the scourge.

Students also recommitted to carry the mantle on to raise awareness against the vice.