The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has urged the public to heighten provision of timely information so as to boost protection of communities against illegal drugs and illicit brews.

Police say it has conducted dedicated operations and sensitisations with its partners in crime prevention to end the vice. However, it is evident that several communities in Rwanda are still struggling with individuals and gangs that are always evading the law to manufacture, traffic and sell illicit brew and drugs.

On Wednesday, Police operations in Gicumbi, Karongi, Muhanga and Gasabo districts saw the arrest of seven men suspected of either trafficking or manufacturing and distributing banned brews in their communities.

The seized brews included 45 sachets of banned gins and over 1000 liters of a banned crude gin locally called Kanyanga.

Police Spokesperson for Northern Region, Chief Inspector of Police André Hakizimana, said Police officers across the country are alert to ensure that such suspects are apprehended, and also commended residents who are always helpful in providing information about such illegal practices happening in their communities.

"RNP will carry on fighting against illicit brews and drugs. We have formed local partnerships to do this, but more still needs to be done through community policing in order to completely cut off both the manufacturing and distribution chain of these products,” he said.

"When narcotics are rampant, citizens feel insecure, due to their related effects such as drugs related break-ins, burglaries, rape, violence and other crimes.”

Call for cooperation

Hakizimana added that, to overcome this challenge, dealers in narcotics must be brought to justice.

"We should recognise and encourage the wider role that cooperation between Police and the general public can play in reducing the impact of this vice on our communities,” Hakizimana said.

The Rwanda National Police has in the recent past intensified operations againsts the the supply chain of narcotics by mapping-out individuals and groups involved in this crime, which has led to the arrest hundreds of dealers, most of whom have been prosecuted and banned brews and drugs, such as cannabis, seized and destroyed.

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