Commuter transporters pledge to fight narcotics trade

Kirehe- Public transport drivers plying the Rusumo –Kayonza and Kigali highway have vowed to enhance cooperation with police and authorities to curb drug trafficking.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sniffer dog searches a taxi for drugs under the watchful eye of a police officer in Kayonza. Drivers have also joined the drive against narcotics. The New Times / File.

Kirehe- Public transport drivers plying the Rusumo –Kayonza and Kigali highway have vowed to enhance cooperation with police and authorities to curb drug trafficking.This was disclosed during a ceremony to launch a one-week campaign against drug use and trafficking in Musaza Sector of Kirehe District yesterday.The highway has been identified as one of the notorious conduits used by drug dealers to sneak cannabis and illicit alcohol into the country from neighbouring nations.John Baptiste Rwica, a taxi driver in Kirehe District, said drivers would work closely with district and police authorities to tackle drug trafficking."Combining efforts is a necessary step in tackling the threat of drugs and crime. Not only are these considered grave dangers to our district, but they also present real issues to the country’s development and human security,” he explained.Seleman Habimana, a driver working with Stella Express, told The New Times that drivers were instrumental in curbing drug use and trafficking."If drivers stick to their agreement to cooperate with the police, I am sure drug trafficking will be reduced. You know we are the transporters...drug traffickers pay us handsomely, but in most cases, we end up being intercepted by police,” he observed.Kirehe District Police Commander, Supt Johnson Sesonga, noted that cooperation from drivers was important."We are not leaving anything to chance. The whole population too, should be careful...we arrested a number of people with cannabis in their houses in yesterday’s operation. This explains why we need to maintain the campaign,” he cautioned.