Four suspects, among them a woman, have been arrested in connection with dealing in narcotics and banned alcohol (kanyanga) considered dangerous to the health of consumers.

The suspects were apprehended separately on July 1 in Rwanda National Police (RNP) operations aimed at combating the abuse of drugs in the country.

Among the suspects is Maombe Musabyimana, 25, a resident of Kirehe District, Gatore Sector, who was found in possession of 80kg of cannabis. Musabyimana was by press time held at Musaza Police Station as investigations continued.

In Nyagatare District, Rwampesha Sector, a woman identified as Anita Uwajeneza, 30, was arrested with 20 litres of kanyanga and is currently held at Karangazi Police Station.

The two other suspects are Potien Habihirwe, 36, of Gatsibo and Cornelia Horugaba, 26, of Nyagatare, who were arrested with 250 rolls of cannabis and 65 litres of kanyanga respectively.

Police Spokesperson for the Eastern Province, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, noted that anti-narcotics operations are successful countrywide due to the good partnership between RNP and the public, through which credible and timely information on suspects is shared.

"We are focused on working with the community to stop the trade and consumption of illicit brew and ultimately reduce the violence associated with drug trafficking and abuse,” IP Kayigi said.

He also said RNP is involved in educational drives on drug abuse, as well as advising communities, particularly the youth, with the aim of building a proactive resistance against narcotics in communities and schools.

Narcotics and illicit brew are considered toxic and dangerous for consumption according to Article 24 of the law governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors in Rwanda.

It states that any drink that exceeds 45% of alcohol or does not have the required quality for making, importing or selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances attracts a prison sentence between three and five years and a fine between Rwf500, 000 and Rwf5 million, under Article 594 of the Penal Code.

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