WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU—Police together with the district authorities in Gisenyi town October 22 publicly set on fire to over 200 kilograms of Marijuana collected from various drug traffickers in the region.
Police also explained that alcohol would be prohibited during working hours and that bars should be open for business only in the evening.

According to Rubavu mayor Ramadan Baringayabo, the public action was meant to increase awareness about the dangers of drugs and also to discourage many dealers who brought the plant into the country from neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Baringayabo called upon residents to unify with the district and police in the fight against drugs. He said that various crimes, such as increasing robbery, were attributed to the drug users, one reason why it was "every resident’s responsibility” to work together.

"We are aware of the increasing drug dealers in this town and are ready to fight against them. Most drugs are brought in from Goma and traded in not only Gisenyi but throughout the country. It is therefore your duty as responsible citizens to help police track down these criminals.”

Authorities have warned the traffickers that police were "ready and aware” of the dealing and would continuously arrest such people.

"We will not stop until the activity ends,” Ernest Murayire, acting police chief in Rubavu district, said.

Francine Dushime a shop-keeper in Gisenyi town who recently had a altercation with a woman trying to hide drugs in her store, says that it is an unfortunate business which can send ripples through all different sectors of the economy and community.

"It might not be so easy to explain to the police that the merchandise found in your shop doesn’t belong to you.”

In the same development, Rubavu district authority has prohibited drinking during working hours which is believed to be a source of poverty and distracting people from work.

Bar owners were instructed to open their premises only in evening after official working hours.

Ends