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Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Monday, May 17, seized 22kgs and 693 pellets of cannabis in Mururu Sector, Rusizi District, and arrested one person in connection with the act.
The arrested suspect, Eric Niyonkuru, 27, is said to be working for a major drug dealer identified as Damien Bangamwabo, 65, still at large.
The narcotics were recovered in the house of Bangamwabo located in Cyete Village, Kagarama Cell in Mururu Sector where Niyonkuru was also arrested.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonavanture Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said the duo was reported by area residents.
"Police had received information from area residents that Bangamwabo is a big drug dealers, who regularly goes to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to bring large quantities of cannabis, which he distributes to other local retailers.
Eric Niyonkuru suspected to be working for a major drug dealer, Damien Bangamwabo.
Information indicated that he had built a house in Kagarama Cell, Mururu Sector which he was using as a store," CIP Karekezi said.
He added: "We conducted an operation at the said house where Bangamwabo alongside Niyonkuru were at the time, although the former managed to escape but the latter was arrested as he also tried to flee."
During the search in the house, officers recovered a sack of cannabis weighing 22kgs and 693 pellets.
"Niyonkuru was handed over to RIB at Kamembe station alongside the exhibits but law enforcement organs are working together with members of the public to also locate and arrest Bangamwabo to face justice," said CIP Karekezi.
He thanked the residents for the continued partnership against drug dealers and called upon anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bangamwabo to come forward.
Cannabis is classified as a very severe drug in Rwanda.
Article 263 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, provides a sentence of between 20 years and life in prison for anyone convicted of dealing in "very severe narcotic drugs" and a fine of between Frw20 million and Frw30 million.
