English
Kinyarwanda
In a bid to discourage drug abuse among school-going youth, Rwanda National Police (RNP) conducted a narcotics-destruction operation in Rulindo District, which also involved the participation of youth in the area.
The destroyed narcotics included 70 liters of locally distilled illicit brew, as well as over 150 sachets of banned gins.
The event was held at Sina Gerard Foundation Secondary School in Rulindo, and attracted hundreds of students, school administrators and police officers operating in the district, in a display of partnership with police to overcome drugs in schools.
During this event, officers and the students engaged in discussions of how to collaborate further to overcome the threat of drug dealers and traffickers who target schools and youth in communities.
The District Police Commander of Rulindo, CIP Sano Nkeramugaba, said that direct youth engagement plays an important role in preventing drug abuse among youth, and also ensures their partnership in providing information on suspected drug dealers in communities.
“The benefits of engaging youth through such activities are significant. When we come out to discuss with the students, the positive outcomes of such engagement include a decrease in the rate of drug abuse, as well as a decrease in rate of crime. When youth focus on more important activities rather than abusing drugs, it leads to increase in academic performance and a more meaningful connection with a youth’s community,” he said.
“As students, you should always be involved in planning alcohol-free activities and drug sensitization debates for your schools and communities. Important as well, you should more involved in extra-curricular activities, such as sports, which will make you less likely to be tempted into drunkenness and drug abuse.”
Rwanda National Police frequently conducts anti-drug abuse campaigns countrywide, and collaborates with school authorities and youth, through Anti-Crime Clubs to sensitize young people about the dangers of drug abuse, gender based violence and other common crimes.
