Rwanda National Police (RNP) in Rubavu District, Northern Province, yesterday destroyed marijuana and illicit brew worth over Rwf60 million which had been smuggled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The exercise to burn the contraband was part of the ongoing week-long campaign against drug abuse, with Rubavu recording the highest number of cases related to drug abuse.

"All the drugs in this district are smuggled in from the DRC and the lack of regulation in DRC make it easier for these drugs to find their way here,” said Gilbert Rwampungu Gumira, the Regional Police Commander, Western Province.

The seized drugs included 58 kilograms of marijuana, and an assortment of illicit liquor that included Chief Waragi, Simba Waragi, Furaha Waragi and Akengo Waragi among other illegal liquors.

The police noted that the youth were mostly involved in drug abuse, and vowed to mount a crackdown on the vice after the conclusion of local government elections.

"We want to have community policing from the cells level since these people know each other and know where these drugs are kept and who deals in them,” explained Gumira.
Police in Rubavu handle more than 600 cases related to drug abuse every year while the prosecution in the area deals with more than 170 cases.

"More than 90 percent of general crimes reported are caused by drug abuse and if we succeed in the fight against drugs, the crime rate will reduce significantly,” added Gumira.

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