In a bid to counter drug abuse among the youth, the Police have conducted sensitisation campaigns at two secondary schools in Nyaruguru District to educate students about their role in fighting against drug abuse and trafficking.

The drive, conducted on Wednesday, targeted over 700 students from Imanzi and Ndago secondary schools.Nyaruguru District community liaison officer Inspector of Police Stanislas Rutayisire highlighted the dangers of drug abuse to students.

"The youth should take a lead in the fight against drugs. A good school is one which avows for inculcation of values among students,” he said.

"Students should always be given the liberty and time to discuss the extent of drug abuse among the youth, the causes, its effects, what schools can do to combat the problem and what school administrators can do to discourage the practice.”

IP Rutayisire noted that frequent drug users are irregular at school and are likely to score low grades and called on students to alert their administrators whenever they notice that a colleague could be addicted.

"Schools are also urged to conduct regular checks, collaborate with law enforcers and consult with parents about their respective roles and how they can collectively fight drugs before it becomes a menace to the youth,” said Rutayisire.

The headmistress of Imanzi Secondary School, Betty Nyirabaganwa, commended the Police for their approach in fighting illicit drugs.

"You should have the strength to resist peer pressure by understanding and practicing reasons for not taking drugs, and also report anyone who desires to sell drugs within school premises,” she said.

Agnes Batamuriza, speaking on behalf of the students, expressed their commitment in the fight against drugs and pledged to spread the message among students and youth across Rwanda.

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