Gicumbi District, which lies on the borderline, is mapped as one of the major routes for drug traffickers, especially cannabis and Kanyanga, a crude illicit gin.
As such, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has taken stringent community policing measures to reverse the trend and to break chains of supply.
These measures, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Thomas Twahirwa, the District Police Commander (DPC) for Gicumbi, include creating anti-crime clubs, supporting reformed drug dealers to start small income generating initiatives, awareness campaigns and strengthened operations, which are largely facilitated by information provided by the residents.
“We are seeing a huge impact in identifying drug dealers and arresting members of the trafficking rackets because of the existing strong relations with and ownership by the residents, which has eased smooth flow of information,” said SSP Twahirwa.
Over the last six months, for example, Police and other community policing partners in Gicumbi District, have seized 34 kgs and 11,530 pellets of cannabis, about 4kgs of heroin, 235 litres of illicit gin as well as other locally made illicit drinks.
These were mainly seized from the sectors of Kaniga, Cyumba, Miyove, Rutare, and Nyankenke, which are on the borderline with Uganda.
“The successful operations were largely possible because of the responsiveness of the local people, who identify and report drug dealers,” said the DPC.
The seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were disposed of on Wednesday December 28, in a public destruction exercise held in Kinihira I Village, Gisuna Cell, Byumba Sector.
Byumba Sector executive secretary, Theoneste Ngezahumuremyi, while addressing the residents shortly after the disposal of the narcotics, advised them to focus on legal development activities to avoid facing the consequences related to dealing in drug related crimes.
“These narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are dangerous to your health and an obstacle to development. Those who abuse them end up indulging in other criminal acts,” said Ngezahumuremyi.
According to the DPC, SSP Twahirwa, at least 27 drug dealers were arrested and handed over to RIB. Some of them were convicted and currently serving their varied sentences.
“Those arrested include members of the violent group that calls itself Abarembetsi, which deals mainly in Kanyanga, cannabis and heroin traffickers and local retailers, and those who produce and supply Kanyanga and other illicit brew, locally,” said SSP Twahirwa.
He called upon the residents to report to the police anyone they suspect to be dealing in drugs.
Alice Batamuriza Alice, a prosecutor at Byumba primary court, also warned of long term sentences for anyone convicted for dealing in drugs.
“Sentences for anyone convicted for dealing in drugs, are severe, but above that these are people, who are poisoning children for their selfish evil interests. Do not give them room to operate freely, report them to security organs and save your children,” Batamuriza told the residents.
Hard drugs like cannabis and heroin are classified as “very severe drugs” in Rwanda with a sentence ranging between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Frw20 million and Frw30 million, upon conviction.
Kanyanga and other drinks made without complying with the set standards, on the other hand, are classified among “simple drugs” with a sentence of between seven and ten years, and a fine of up to Frw10 million. (End)