Musanze—Rwanda National Police, in conjunction with prisons officials, yesterday, conducted an operation in Ruhengeri Central Prison, seizing several items illegally smuggled by inmates into cells.

The items included marijuana,10 charcoal stoves, local brew and a mobile phone handset.

One of the inmates identified as Anita Musabyimana, was found in possession of Rwf80,000 cash. According to the Regional Police Commander, ACP-Joel Ndahiro, the search which was conducted in the early morning hours  inside both men and women inmates’ cells, aimed at recovering illegal materials in cells.

Ndahiro said that the illegal materials could have been smuggled into the prison through relatives who visit the inmates. It is suspected that they hide them inside food containers when they visit the prisoners.

"The wardens have to be vigilant, and monitor the inmates when they are going outside and search them when they are brought back from the field,’’ Ndahiro stated.

Rusa Gahima, the Director of the prison noted: "Some prisoners’ relatives connive with our employees to sneak these items inside.

We shall conduct investigations, to ensure that there is no corruption link.’’

Ends