English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) have joined to enhance the campaign against drug abuse.
On July 14, the two institutions were joined by thousands of residents of Burera District in a public awareness against illicit drugs.
The campaign coincided with the destruction of illicit drugs, which were seized in public-backed police operations in the past two months.
The destroyed drugs valued at Rwf4 million, include 349 litres of Kanyanga and 1940 dozens of varied banned gin that include Blue Sky, Host Waragi, Kitoko, Coffee Sprit and Chief Waragi.
The mayor of Burera, Florence Uwambajemariya thanked RNP for empowering the people through community policing, which she said has played a significant role in fighting and preventing crimes.
She appealed to the residents of Burera to stand up for their safety and security in their communities while fighting drug abuse and ultimately preventing other crimes it brings along including domestic conflicts.
“Be an eye for your neighbor, support and strengthen Irondo – community night patrols – and whenever you notice any wrongdoing, always be quick to inform police and through that way, lawlessness will have no place in our societies,” the mayor said.
Dr. Innocent Turate, the head of Institute for HIV/AIDs, Diseases Prevention & Control at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, explained to the residents that all alcoholic drinks are supposed to be tested and approved by the Rwanda Standards Bureau adding that most of the illicit drinks exceed the required content of 45 percent, thus being hazardous to consumers.
Article 24 of the law on narcotics, also states that “any drink that exceeds forty five percent of alcohol and any other drink which doesn’t have the required quality for consumption, shall be considered as narcotic drug.”
Medical experts say abuse of such drugs has serious negative health effects such as mental problems and heart related difficulties.
Supt. Christophe Semuhungu, the director of the anti-narcotics unit in Rwanda National Police said common illicit drugs in the Northern Province include cannabis, illicit gins and locally made illicit brew.
“Rwanda National Police has stepped up measures to fight drug abuse and arrest dealers and abusers, but you play a bigger part in this drive,” Supt. Semuhungu said.
He urged them to actively stand up against the vice and strive for their safety and security by reporting drug dealers and abusers residing in their neighborhoods, the only to protect our youth and the future of the country.
