Police in Kirehe District destroyed illicit drugs worth Rwf14 million in Nyakarambi Sector in Kirehe District on Thursday.

The drugs comprised 716 kilogrammes of marijuana, 214 litres of illicit alcohol locally known as Kanyanga and 66 litres of crude  waragi. The drugs were reportedly brought into the country by syndicates operating within and outside Rwanda.

The destruction of the drugs was witnessed by hundreds of youths, residents and local leaders as a way to campaign against the vice.

The drugs were destroyed using an improvised incinerator to prevent any negative impacts on the environment.

They had been seized in police swoops conducted between January and March. The police arrested several suspects in the raids, including foreign nationals.

Police believe by destroying these drugs, thousands of lives may have been saved.

Kirehe District Police Commander (DPC), Senior Superintendant of Police Felix Bizimana, said most of the drugs were found hidden within the community.

Bizimana said the event was held publicly to show people police’s commitment on the war against drugs.

"We invited the public, particularly the youths who are the main victims of drug abuse,” he said.

Bizimana warned the public that use of drugs attracted heavy penalties, adding that many people had been jailed for the crime.

"I want to warn those dealing in  illicit drugs that the law will catch up with them. Rwf5 million and  a five-year jail sentence awaits the criminals,” he said.

Protais Murayire, the district mayor, also called on the public to desist from the sale and consumption of noxious drugs.

"Eradicating the sale and consumption of illicit drugs calls for strong will and committment. The war against drugs is a war against drug cartels, who are determined and possess the financial muscle,” he said.