Police haveE called upon students to focus on their education, and fight the use and sell of illicit drugs. 

School administrations have also been urged to put in place early intervention and prevention programmes that protect their students against exposure to drugs.

The message was delivered on Wednesday by the district liaison officer of Gakenke, Inspector Alexandre Mwezi, during a sensitisation campaign that aimed at encouraging students from the district to fight drug abuse.

The event, which took place at Nemba Secondary School, brought together students from various schools around the area and their parents.

Addressing the students, Mwezi noted that drug abuse and consuming of illicit brew have adverse effects on an individual, including distortion of memory, thus affecting their performance in class, which may, in the long run, lead to dropping out of school.

"Those abusing drugs should stop immediately and seek help. Our communities must be protected against the consequences of drug abuse.

‘‘School administrators must design tailor made programmes that discourage drug abuse and also help students understand and debate about the effects of drug abuse,” he said.

He also called upon partners in crime prevention, including the Community Policing Committees and District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) officers to strengthen measures aimed at curtailing drugs abuse among the youth.

Janvier Bizwinayo, the Director of Studies at Nemba Secondary School, asked teachers and school administrators to be exemplary and exert a significant influence on students’ attitude, saying that some students resort to such vices because they lack proper guidance from their teachers.

"We must also emphasise the importance of making timely intervention and prompt sharing of information with Police about those who abuse and distribute drugs around school communities,” he said.

One of the students, Nazar Tuyisenge, called upon fellow students to heed the message, concentrate on their studies, and develop their communities instead of joining groups that introduce them to dangerous drugs.

"Many young people succumb to peer pressure and influence from bad elements in society. However, the choice is ours to make, we should be responsible enough to say no to drug abuse,” Tuyisenge said.

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