Rwanda National Police

A man suspected of trafficking and supplying narcotic drugs was arrested on Wednesday, January 18, in Rwamagana District with 4kgs and 1786 rolls of cannabis.

Elissa Irakiza was arrested at his home located in Runyinya Village, Runyinya Cell of Gahengeri Sector, where the narcotics were recovered.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that Irakiza's arrest followed information provided by local residents about his alleged criminal activities.

"At about 6:30a.m, Police and local leaders searched Irakiza's house where the 4kgs and 1786 pellets of cannabis were recovered, and took him into custody for the alleged crime," said SP Twizeyimana.

He was handed over to RIB at Fumbwe station.

SP Twizeyimana lauded the impact of community policing in fighting drug dealers and breaking chains of supply.

Cannabis is classified as a very severe narcotic drug in Rwanda.

Article 263 of law No. 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.

Upon conviction for very severe narcotics, the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Frw20 million and Frw30 million.