Following intensified operations to break the supply of illicit drugs in the country, Police in the Eastern Province arrested five people over trafficking cannabis.

‘‘The suspects who were arrested in the districts of Rwamagana and Ngoma were caught with 170kilogrammes of the drug,’’ Police said.

They were arrested separately on March 3, during Police operations following a tip-off from members of the public.

Two of the suspects identified as Cassien Sibomana and Martin Nsengimana were apprehended at about 3am in Rubona Sector in Rwamagana while trafficking seven bags containing cannabis from a saloon car.

Three others; Eric Habimana, Augustin Ntawushiragahinda and Daniel Nambajimana were arrested in Sake Sector in Ngoma with nine kilogrammes, strapped around their bodies.

"In Ngoma, residents suspected that the three people could be trafficking drugs; they called local leaders, apprehended them and when they searched them, they found cannabis wrapped around their bodies. They are now at Sake police station,” Kayigi said.

Kayigi thanked the residents for being quick to share information that led to the apprehension of the suspects and seizure of the narcotic drugs.

"These and many other successful operations show the impact of community policing where people stand up to fight anything that affects their well-being,” he added.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw