Kayonza – As part of the ongoing campaign to fight the penetration of narcotics into the country, police have begun using sniffer dogs to search vehicles ferrying marijuana. The police operation got underway in the suburbs of Kayonza town in the Eastern Province, and later moved to Nyagatovu along the Kayonza-Kigali highway.

Travellers and residents gathered to watch in excitement as highly trained German Shepherds and American Cocker Spaniel type of dogs searched the vehicles, one by one.

According to the police spokesman, Supt Theos Badege, sniffer dogs are the latest weapon in the force’s battle against drugs.

Badege said that the police was exploiting all means to combat drug trafficking in the country.

"The dogs are unstoppable with limited or no weaknesses... highly trained dogs never make mistakes ... they are out to get drug dealers,” he said.

He said drug abuse was the main cause of numerous crimes involving the youth, calling for concerted efforts against the vice.

"We want to discourage drug trafficking with all the vigilance...the campaign will go on countrywide. People involved should know that they can’t make it, at least not in Rwanda”.

Yosefu Nzamuye, a resident of Musaza Sector in Kirehe District, who was, recently, caught red-handed trafficking marijuana, told The New Times that the business had turned bitter.

He said he was ready to be tried in court, adding that it would be his last time to engage in the illegal business.

Eric Gashirabake, a professional driver, who witnessed the sniffer dogs search vehicles, swore never to risk again.

"I was tempted by high payment to transport marijuana...you know they pay us highly. I was caught after they had paid me Rwf 50,000 to transport a very small package. But with the dogs I have seen, I will never dare again,” he said.

Most police stations in Eastern Province have stocked hundreds of kilogrammes of marijuana seized along various highways in the province.

stephen.rwembeho@newtimes.co.rw