Rwanda National Police

Two drug traffickers were  arrested during a targeted operation conducted recently, aimed at fighting drug abuse and illicit alcoholic drinks.

Police apprehended them in Karangazi Sector, they were caught red-handed carrying 8 kgs of cannabis and 2.5 liters of illegal brew commonly known as “Kanyanga” on a motorcycle with  plate numbers RB 092.

The motorcycle and the drugs were seized by police as exhibits.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pierre Tebuka, the District Police Commander (DPC) in Nyagatare, said that the arrest of these men involved in sale and distribution of drugs was due to the information provided by the population.

"We received information that those people have been importing drugs from neighboring countries and distributing it in various parts of Nyagatare,” said SSP Tebuka.

He added that after receiving information, police conducted an operation to arrest the traffickers who were pursued and apprehended at Buziba border heading to Karangazi Sector.

Speaking to residents after the arrest SSP Tebuka strongly argued the population to prevent drug abuse as it is a threat which affect citizen’s lives and security in general.

"All around in your villages you are surrounded by youth who  use drugs and their lives are in danger, you know families in conflicts due to drug abuse; all these issues hinder the security of the country,” said SSP Tebuka

Drugs like cannabis, and many other prohibited brews are among the main concern, as they keep on destroying citizen lives especially youth.

The police hailed residents for their cooperation in fighting against crimes and urge them to keep up with the good spirit.

The suspects have been handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for further investigation.

Under article 263 of the new penal code anyone convicted of producing, transforming, transporting, storing, giving to another or selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances face a penalty of imprisonment between seven years and a life sentence, including fines of up to thirty million Rwandan Francs (30,000,000 Frw).