Rwanda National Police

Seized illicit brew destroyed in GicumbiPolice in Gicumbi District has destroyed scores of narcotic substance, including illicit gins that were seized in recent operations.

Police also held a townhall meeting with hundreds of residents of Murindi cell of Kaniga Sector who attended the destruction of the substances and tutored them about the social, economic and health effects of such substances.

The destroyed substance include 2040 sachets of Chief Waragi, 448 sachets of Chase Vodka, 360 sachets of African Gin, 124 sachets of Kick Waragi and 87  sachets of Leaving Gin. Other substances include 202 bundles of Khat and 158 litres of Kanyanga, a locally distilled illicit gin.

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 The substances were seized in operations conducted in four sectors of Kaniga, Rushaki, Mukarange and Shangasha over the last four months.

Addressing residents who attended the event to destroy the substance, Gicumbi District Police Commander (DPC) Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaston Karagire advised residents to stand up against anyone who traffics or consumes such substances and appealed to them to always share information with police whenever they suspect someone.

“When you say no to any illegal dealing or report anything unlawful act, you are promoting safety, security and stability and that way, you are equally contributing to national development,” said SP Karagire.

He further noted that drug abuse has an effect on someone’s state of mind. “Anyone who consumes such substances is never in the right state of mind; they make impaired decisions. These substances are the root cause of most other crimes.”

 “This public destruction exercise is also a moment to showcase what awaits dealers, discourage residents against joining drug dealing gangs – and to promote trust with residents in ensuring that communities are protected against the effects of drug dealing,” said SP Karagire.

During the event to dispose off the substances, Jacques Ntezurundi, the district official in charge of good governance observed that most substances are sneaked into the country through porous borders and urged residents to work closely with security organs in identifying those illegal entry points and intercepting the traffickers.

In a related development, Police in Burera District conducted an intelligence-let operation in Gafumba cell of Rugarama Sector and intercepted Jean d’Amour Dusengimana who was trafficking 54 cartons of Blue Sky and 15 cartons Chase Vodka.

Dusengimana dumped the substances upon seeing the police and ran away. Police is still searching for him.