Rwanda National Police

Illicit drugs including 40 cartons of chief waragi and 180 litres of kanyanga, the illegal gin banned in Rwanda were destroyed on September 23 in Gatsibo district with a call to strengthen efforts against sell and consumption of such hazardous substances.

Also destroyed in a public exercise presided over by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Vincent Munyeshyaka, are eight kilogrammes and 115 pellets of cannabis.

It was also attended by clerics and officials from prosecution.

The drugs were seized in the district in the last three months. Six suspected drug traffickers were also arrested in connection with the seized illegal drugs, some of them already convicted and serving varied prison sentences, Police said.

Munyeshyaka appealed to hundreds of area residents and students, who turned up for destruction exercise, to give no room for such illegal acts adding that they are threat to security.

He, however, hailed the role played by area residents in availing information that led to seizure of the narcotic drugs.

Chief Supt.  Eric Mutsinzi, the Eastern Region Police Commander (RPC) said six people were arrested in connection with the destroyed drugs.

He noted that the suspects were apprehended as they tried to sneak them into the country through porous borders.

“We have devised new measures to prevent this vice including arresting those involved,” CSP Mutsinzi, who said trade of illicit drugs has reduced tremendously, said.

Pastor Sylvestre Ngwabije of Evangelical Fellowship of Pentecost of Hope and Love, challenged fellow clerics to stand up, preach and educate their followers to fight drug abuse.

“Sacred soul resides in a healthy body. Churches and mosques are strategic areas to pass the message against drug abuse, a sin that leads to others,” Pastor Ngwabije said.

Drug abuse, though it has decreased, is among the common crimes committed in the country.