In an effort to curb drug trafficking, the national police has stepped up deterrent measures including arresting people involved in the crime. Police says that nearly all drugs that are consumed in the country are smuggled in from neighbouring countries, which has continued to undermine security and threatening to derail the potential of the youth.
In an effort to curb drug trafficking, the national police has stepped up deterrent measures including arresting people involved in the crime.
Police says that nearly all drugs that are consumed in the country are smuggled in from neighbouring countries, which has continued to undermine security and threatening to derail the potential of the youth.
Speaking during a town hall meeting, yesterday, Emmanuel Butera, the Commissioner in charge of Operations at Rwanda National Police, observed smugglers are now targeting the youth who are in school holidays.
"There are no marijuana fields in Rwanda. All the drugs used in the country are from other countries.”
Butera said the force intends to deploy police officers along the borders, maintaining regular patrols along the highways, and to commission an investigation into the persons who are behind the illegal business.
According to the Penal Code, drug trafficking attracts between 3 months to 5 years imprisonment.
Butera also said police would seek Interpol cooperation to help arrest the culprits.
It’s said that the biggest percentage of drugs are imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Tanzania
According to police statistics, 80% of nationals engaged in drug abuse are youth.
Figures also indicate that 22 percent of the 742 cases recorded at Ndera Psychiatric Hospital, were related to drugs and alcohol, with the victims aged between 16-20 years.
Solange Umulisa, an official in charge of children at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, disclosed that there are plans for a new legislation that will prohibit parents from sending young children to buy alcoholic drinks and cigarettes.