Rwanda National Police

Police in Burera District have impounded two vehicles and arrested two people after they were intercepted trafficking illicit gin into the country.

The successful operation comes at the time when the fight against drug related crimes is at its pick, both through awareness and operations to identify traffickers and routes to break chains of supply.

The intelligence-led operations were conducted on October 26 following a tip off from residents.

The District Police Commander (DPC) of Burera, Supt. Alex Fata identified the suspects, who were on board at the time, as Jean Bosco Ndinumukiza and Jean de Dieu Nkurikiyumukiza, who are both detained at Bungwe Police station, where the vehicles were also impounded to.

“One of the vehicles, a Uganda registered Toyota Corolla with Plate Number UAD256C, driven by Ndinumukiza was intercepted as it carried four bales of second hand clothes, 160 dozens dozens of Kick waragi, 160 dozens of Chief waragi and 48 liters of Kanyanga,” Supt. Fata said.

The second vehicle, an Isuzu double Cabin with plate Number RAC 395J driven by Jean de Dieu Nkurikiyumukiza was intercepted as it smuggled  eight cartons of Kitoko, 19 Cartons  of Chief waragi, 40 dozens of Kiki waragi and 80 liters of Kanyanga,” he added.

Smuggling of bales of second hand clothes attracts fine to the suspect while the illicit substances may attract a jail sentence as stipulated by the laws.

“This is part of our continued crackdown on illegal dealings. We are mainly working with the people through community policing, who provide us with credible information,” said the DPC.

In reference to the seized substances, Fata pointed out that any liquid substance that contains more than zero and a half percent (0.5%) of methanol in the composition is considered a narcotic drug under the Instructions of the Minister in charge of health.

The substance are banned by the ministerial order nº20/35 of 09/6/2015 determining unauthorized drinks and other controlled substances classified as narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors.

“This implies that whoever is found with these substance will be punished same as anyone who is found selling or using them,” warned the DPC.

The duo risk a jail sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to Rwf5 million as stipulated in article 594 of the penal code.