Rwanda National Police

Police in Rulindo District have impounded a vehicle that was trafficking 3800 dozens (46080 sachets) of Chief Waragi and Kiki Waragi, the contrabands banned in the country.

The Northern region Police spokesperson, Inspector of Police (IP) Innocent Gasasira, said that the Ugandan registered Toyota Corolla UAL 933A was intercepted during a late night police operation conducted on September 20 in Kajevuba Cell of Ntarabana Sector.

“The operation aimed at checking any malpractices that the drivers may be involved in especially at nights,” IP Gasasira said.

“Upon seeing the police, the driver attempted to drive off, but in the process he knocked a police vehicle and rammed in a tree before he got out and fled, leaving the vehicle loaded with the illicit gin behind,” he explained.

“The vehicle was impounded to Ntarabana police station as the search for the driver and all those connected to these psychotropic substances continue,” said the spokesperson.

The seized contrabands are classified as narcotic drugs under the law governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors in Rwanda.

In its article 24, it states that “any drink that exceeds forty five percent of alcohol and any other drink which doesn’t have the required quality for consumption shall be considered as narcotic drug.”

“Any drink parked in sachets or plastic bags is illegal and considered illicit; besides, such drinks don’t meet the required standards and their alcoholic content pose danger to consumers; we urge the public, our strong partners, to press on in this fight,” the spokesperson warned.

Under 594 of the 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 up to five years and a fine of up to Rwf5 million.

A week ago in the same province, Police also impounded another vehicle trafficking 500 liters of Kanyanga, a banned crude gin.

“We have increased awareness campaigns, especially in border communities on their role in fighting drug trafficking; mapped-out major routes used and intensified operations – snap-checks and roadblocks,” IP Gasasira said.

 He added that such snap-checks and roadblocks have facilitated in intercepting drug traffickers.

IP Gasasira emphasized that fighting drug abuse remains part of the Rwanda National Police priorities through awareness, investigations and operations.