Rwanda National Police

Police in Nyamasheke District has arrested two persons for allegedly trafficking some 22 kilograms of cannabis. Police in the district identified the suspects as Anastase Ntagahinda, 26 and Aimee Marie Mukabudaraza, 36.

The duo was arrested over the weekend during a police operation conducted in Giseke Village of Nyarusange Cell in Nyamasheke Sector. Ntagahinda, one of the suspects was found in possession of 20 kilograms of cannabis while Mukabudaraza was arrested with 2 kilograms of the weed.

The two suspects were handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau, for further questioning.

The suspects admitted their deliberate role in the criminal offence, saying they got the cannabis from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and were heading to Kigali where they would supply it.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Innocent Gasasira, the Western Region Police Spokesperson, issued a stern warning against involvement in drug abuse or distribution.

CIP Gasasira said that Police in partnership with members of the general public has put in place strong measures to apprehend or arrest anyone involved in the vice, and to ensure suspects are brought to book.

“We had information earlier on that these people (suspects) had cannabis in their houses, and so we planned and executed an operation and indeed we found the illegal substances as we had been told by residents,” he said. He expressed appreciation of the people’s cooperation in crime prevention.

“Drug running and abuse can never be tolerated in Rwanda, and Police is at the helm of eradicating the scourge. Such illegal acts affect one's health and society,” emphasized the officer.  He reminded citizens of their duty to always collaborate with police through sharing timely information to help in the fight.

Article 594 of the Rwandan Penal Code states 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 between Frw 500,000 and Frw 5 million.