Burera residents and local leaders have committed to intensify efforts to fight drug trafficking.

Residents said this while police and local leaders gathered in Cyanika Sector to destroy various illicit drugs seized from residents in the area.

Drugs destroyed in three Burera sectors of Cyanika, Rusarabuye and Bungwe were worth Rwf32 million.Residents noted that the drugs are a threat to their soci0-economic development and a root cause of conflict which often cost lives.

Burera District neighbours Uganda and most of the drugs are believed to be smuggled through porous borders.Security officials and local leaders have for a long time battled a notorious group, locally known as Abarembetsi, who involve in this illegal trade and there is a feeling that the gang has been contained.

"Drugs which are seized are destroyed and these are millions of francs which are lost which should have gone into developmental activities. Drugs affect the minds of consumers,” said Andé Munyarugamba one of the Cyanika residents.

"I am committed to fighting smuggling of illicit drugs and work with police and local leaders in my neighbourhood. I know drugs are traded and consumed by people we live with and if we put in more efforts to fight them, I am optimistic this war can be won.”

Residents appealed to police from both countries to work closely and ensure that drug smuggling is minimised by securing all border points.

"Some of the gin that is banned in Rwanda is freely sold and consumed on the other side of the boarder (in Uganda), there is therefore need for police and local leaders to work together to fight this,” said Emmanuel Niyongabo, another resident.

Drugs, worth Rwf42 million, were destroyed in 2014 and early 2015.

Burera District mayor Samuel Sembagare called on residents to report suspected drug traffickers in their respective communities.

He said police and local leaders will keep working with their counterparts in Uganda to ensure borders are controlled and no more drugs are trafficked across the border.

Most of the illegal substances said to be smuggled from Uganda include African gin, Blue sky, host waragi, Simba waragi, cannabis and Kanyanga, among others.

Inspector of Police Justin Kajeje, the District Community Liaison Officer, warned that operations against drug abuse will continue.

He thanked the residents for their partnership with police in fighting and preventing crimes such as drug abuse, domestic and gender based violence, among others.

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