RWAMAGANA - Police in Rwamagana district are holding ten people accused of smoking marijuana and drinking banned alcohol.

The accused were nabbed after a tip off led Police to a smoking hideout that doubled up as the compound of the suspected main dealer, Berizikimaki Bizimana alias Jamaica.

When Police stormed the compound, they found marijuana and Zuzu Waragi an illicit brew strewn all over the compound and the nabbed persons who were already highly intoxicated.

Although most of the arrested deny the charges against them, some have admitted to the crime and requested for mercy.

Mariya Josepha Urimubenshi, 57, admitted to dealing in banned alcohol known as Zuzu, but denied any involvement in marijuana.

She instead pinned Berizikimaki Bizimana, who was recently released from prison due to similar charges, of selling the drugs.

"He was nick-named ‘Jamaica’ because of his lucrative marijuana business…he hides it all over his compound and sells it in bits. His home is frequented by all sorts of thugs,” she alleged.

Charles Ndizeye, 26, another suspect who acts as a motor mechanic, wondered why his colleagues were denying, when they were actually caught red-handed.

Valerie Rubibi, the Executive Secretary of Kigabiro Sector in Rwamagana town, said that local leaders have stepped up a campaign against drug abuse and banned gin but the fight is yet to bear fruit.

"Look at how they look, completely spoilt. They at the same time engage in public disorder, fighting and stealing property. We would like the public to help us unearth their hideouts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alex Rutabayiru, the new Police Commander of Rwamagana district, has vowed to crack down all marijuana and illicit alcohol dealers.

"This will be a slow but steady and long lasting operation. Culprits should be ready to face the law,” he warned.

Ends