Rwanda National Police

Police in Nyamasheke District, on Thursday, arrested a man after he was found in possession of 440 pellets of cannabis.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that Ndikumana Joseph, 27, was arrested in Macuba Sector following a tip-off by local residents.

“Residents gave us information after suspecting that Ndikumana was a drug dealer,” CIP Kayigi said.
 
“Police responded and apprehended him. At the time of his arrest, Police recovered 440 pellets of cannabis in the ceiling of his house. He had already sold other quantities of cannabis worth Rwf55, 000, which he was also found with," he added.

"It is suspected that Ndikumana works with other people, who traffic the narcotics from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through illegal borders and Lake Kivu in Macuba Sector."

“It is a chain of drug dealers that use illegal borders in Nyamasheke and Rubavu, some of whom have been arrested, others still at large and being tracked by law enforcement agencies."

CIP Kayigi warned that Rwanda National Police is on alert and strengthened its operations to break chains of supply.

“We advised those still involved in drug dealings and other illegal activities to desist from these acts. Police will continue similar operations to ensure all those connected to these crimes are arrested to face the law,” he emphasized.

He added: “Combating drugs abuse is among the Rwanda National Police priorities.”

CIP Kayigi noted that illicit drugs pose serious threats to the country’s future as it is mostly used or involve the young people. Drugs are also as a major influence for other criminal acts like theft, assault, GBV and other child-related crimes."

He commended the role of the public in breaking chains of drug dealers. He further warned of increased crackdown on dealers and called for strengthened efforts through information sharing.

Article 263 of Rwanda penal code stipulates that any person who, unlawfully, produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offense, with a sentence upon conviction, ranging between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.