Two suspected drug traffickers, identified as Jacques Habagusenga and Joseph Ndagijimana have been arrested in a Police operation in Kigali.

The duo was arrested on December 22, in Gisozi Sector, Gasabo District with about 6,000 rolls of cannabis, following information provided by members of the public, according to Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police Celestin Twahirwa.

Both Habagusenga and Ndagijimana were paraded before the media yesterday at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) headquarters in Kacyiru, and this, according to Twahirwa aimed at sending a strong warning against use and sell of illicit drugs in the country.

"Habagusenga was apprehended at about 4am after some residents called police. Investigations have since revealed that he had sneaked in the narcotic substances from Rubavu District on a motorcycle,” ACP Twahirwa explained.

He warned against use and sell of narcotic drugs, adding that RNP has devised measures to crackdown on anyone involved.

He warned commercial motorcyclists against involvement and aiding trafficking of illicit drugs, and appealed to them to instead partner with Police by reporting those involved in crime.

Responding to questions from journalists, Habagusenga said: "I hired a motorcycle from Gisenyi town at Rwf30, 000, because I thought this would be the best way to transport the drugs to Kigali without being noticed or arrested. On arrival at Giti k’Inyoni, I hired another motorcycle which took me to Gisozi where I was arrested on arrival.”

He said he has been in this illegal business for about a month now.

The arrest of Habagusenga comes about a week after his wife was also arrested with cannabis wrapped around her waist and back.

Under article 594 of the penal code, any person who, unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of Rwf500, 000 to Rwf5 million.

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