Police in Rwamagana District arrested 53 suspected criminals in a surprise operation carried out yesterday morning.The suspects include 47 men and eight women aged between 18 and 45.Some of the suspects were caught red-handed with marijuana and illicit brew commonly known as Kanyanga, while the rest either lacked IDs or were found to be wanted for different misdemeanors.Police also seized a number of household property and other items suspected to have been stolen.Supt Richard Rubagumya, the Rwamagana District Police Commander (DPC), said the operation was part of the community Policing initiative to tackle crime."The operation is about stopping people suspected of involvement in a various criminal activities. We involved all security stakeholders in the community policing programme,” he said.Nehemie Uwimana, the district mayor, said the operation was sending out a message to criminals that authorities were hot on their heels.He hailed residents for tipping the police in the operation and local leaders who located the suspects.He, however, said accomplices whether local leaders or any other persons would be held accountable."There are some people sympathising with criminals. They should change or be ready to face the wrath of the law. It is the  obligation of every citizen to report criminals. Doing the contrary is punishable by law,” he said.Uwimana lamented that marijuana and kanyanga have been the root cause of crimes like rape and robbery."These people may appear to be petty criminals, but their activities hinder development,” he said.