RUBAVU/KARONGI-In his two day-tour of the Western Province, the newly appointed Commissioner General of Police, Emanuel Gasana, is urging police officers to work closely with other authorities in order to stem crime.

In Rubavu District, Gasana, who was accompanied by a team of senior police officers, asked police to put much effort in the fight against illicit drugs.

"The commissioner wants drug trafficking and other crimes to be curbed. He also told the force to cooperate with other authorities in the development of the country,” the Rubavu District Police Commander, Supt. Paul Gatambira, told The New Times. 

During his tour, the police boss inspected Rwanda- DRC frontiers and witnessed police destroy 400 kg of marijuana at the narrow border point. 

"Here illicit drugs smuggling top the crimes in the area, because of proximity to the neighbouring DR Congo which does almost nothing to combat the crime,” Emelline Nyembo, Rubavu Intermediate Court prosecutor said from the border.

According to the Nyembo, drug smugglers use children and women who disguise themselves as being pregnant, to transport drugs. 

"Normally smugglers are caught red handed with the illicit drugs and we expeditiously prosecute them since they normally admit to the charges…but some use minors,” Nyembo added. 

According to the Police, the new boss has dedicated one week starting November, 2, 2009, to fight illicit drugs. 

Meanwhile, in Karongi District, Gen. Gasana vowed to improve the standards of the police force in the country.
Meeting police officers from Rutsiro, Karongi and Ngororero districts yesterday, Gasana called for good and professional conduct within the police force if more is to be achieved.

"A policeman should be professional and always ready to participate in nation building,” he said, calling on the officers to desist from all forms of corruption.

"We shall readily provide all the required equipment, training and relevant courses to help in the transformation of our force,” he added.

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