Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police Marine Unit on Sunday intercepted a man trafficking 40 kilogrammes of cannabis through Lake Kivu.

According to the Western Region Police Spokesperson, Superintendent Emmanuel Hitayezu, the arrested suspect identified as Etienne Muzigirwa, was sailing along Mubuga Cell of Gihombo Sector in Nyamasheke District.

Muzigirwa is currently held at Kanjongo Police Station, while two other suspects who are alleged to be connected to this act, are still at large.

“We believe the others two suspects are residents of Gihombo sector and we are working closely with other authorities and residents to arrest them,” said Hitayezu.

He went on to appreciate public cooperation in reporting crimes saying that the case of cannabis was a result of a tip off from the public.

“We also encourage people especially the youth not to abuse drugs as they affect their lives. Drugs are mostly the cause of domestic conflict, gender based violence and assaults among others,” Hitayezu added.

In a related development, Police in Kicukiro District also arrested a 59 year old man in connection with drug trafficking.

Joseph Uwihoreye was intercepted by police patrol in Nonko cell, Nyarugunga Sector along with another man, who fled.

It the time of the arrest, the two men were found in possession of two sacks of cannabis equivalent to 85 kilogrammes.

Central region police spokesperson, Superintendent Modeste Mbabazi said that one of the suspects dropped the sack and ran away while Uwihoreye was apprehended red handed.

“We keep warning people that drug dealing is a completely illegal business, we will continue educating the public and ensure there is timely reporting where there has been suspicion,” Mbabazi said.

Under article 594 of the Rwandan Penal Code, 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 Rwf500, 000 to  Rwf5 million.