Rwanda National Police

Police and local leaders in Nyamagabe District, on Monday, disposed of assorted illicit drugs worth over Rwf2.4 million.

The exercise conducted in Gasaka Sector was witnessed by the mayor of Nyamagabe, Bonaventure Uwamahoro, the District Police Commander, Supt.  Gaston Karagire, district prosecutor as well as hundreds of local residents.

The illicit drinks include kanyanga, a banned crude gin and 27 boxes of assorted contraband.

Also destroyed include 270 kilograms of cannabis.

Mayor Uwamahoro warned residents against distilling, trafficking, selling and consuming narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

He urged them to venture into legal legal jobs.

“Drugs are dangerous for your lives; they cause extreme poverty and make people commit crimes, they pose threat to the country’s development. We urged to stop abusing drugs because the end is imprisonment, destroying you future especially your children," the mayor told the residents.

“Abstain from drugs, instead invest in economic and development activities, which will be beneficial to your families and to the country as well,” he added.

Supt. Karagire said that the seizure of the substances was due to the partnership with residents who shared credible information on suspects.

He also said that after getting information they conducted targeted operations in various parts of the district in past few months to arrest dealers and seized the drugs.

“Those individuals that are connected to these illicit drugs we have destroyed were apprehended and prosecuted. We urge to desist from such criminal acts that destroy the health of users," Supt. Karagire said.

He called upon residents to strengthen partnership with security organs in order to fight and prevent narcotic drugs and arrest dealers.

The public destruction of drugs, he said, is aimed at showing the public that the fight against such psychotropic substances should be everyone’s concern.