In a bid to counter drug abuse among the youth in Gatsibo District, Police have reached out to students of Gabiro High School to educate them about their role in fighting drug abuse and trafficking.

The campaign held on Wednesday attracted over 600 students.

Gatsibo District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) Inspector of Police Roger Rwakayiro warned the students on the dangers of drug abuse.

Drugs lead to physical and mental disability, emotional damage, and a decline in school performance and productivity of young people, he told the students.

"Students should always be given the liberty and time to discuss the extent of drug abuse among the youth in their neighbourhoods, causes of drug abuse, consequences and what schools can do to combat the problem in their communities.”

IP Rwakayiro noted that frequent drug users are prone to dropping out of school or poor academic performance.

He called on students to share timely information with their teachers if any of their peers indulge in drug abuse.

"Students have to be ambassadors of the fight against drug by alerting authorities whenever they realise that some of their fellow students engage in drug abuse. School authorities should also report cases of drug trafficking in school to Police,” he noted.

He urged schools to conduct regular inspections among students, collaborate with law enforcers and consult with parents about their respective roles in fighting drug abuse.

Students interacted with the police officers and were also educated on how to fight against several other crimes.

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