Burera-The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, yesterday met border residents of Cyanika and Kagogo sectors in Burera District, and warned them against smuggling and drug trafficking.

Gasana urged residents to cooperate with the police, especially community policing committees, in ensuring that security prevails along the borders.

"Security is the source of any form of development, and this can only be achieved by residents participating in keeping their own security. Smuggling affects the tax base of the country and it should be avoided,’’ Gasana said.

The police chief sensitised residents about the primary obligations of the national police which include; protecting lives of the people and their property, keeping law and order and participating in development programmes.

Illegal drugs and smuggling rank high among the crimes along the border. Most of the goods originate from Uganda and DR Congo.

Burera Mayor, Samuel Sembagari, said smugglers still use porous borders at night to avoid taxes or bring in drugs.

Police offered Rwf200,000 and a bull to the area cultural troupe, Uruyenzi, for using music and dance to promote developmental programmes.

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