The intensified campaign against trafficking, sale and use of narcotic drugs in Nyagatare District led to the seizure of banned gin with different brand names. These include 500 cartons of Chief Waragi and about 650 litres of crude waragi commonly known as kanyanga. According to Senior Supt. Safari Christian, the District Police Commander, the illicit substances worth over Rwf9.2 million, were seized during operations conducted in the last two months. The drugs were destroyed recently in presence of hundreds of residents and students, an event normally used to further sensitise the general population on the dangers of consuming such harmful substances. “Most of these contrabands impounded in December and January, were recovered from dealers after members of the public informed us, and actually provided detailed information on either traffickers, sellers or consumers,” said SSP Safari. Nyagatare is said to be the transit route for trafficked illicit gin that also include zebra, blue sky and kotoko. “We are seeing a big impact of the awareness campaigns, the public especially those residing along the border, where the substances are trafficked through porous borders, give us credible information,” he added. Those arrested include motorcyclists, who are hired by traffickers to transport the branded narcotic drugs. SSP Safari urged the residents to maintain the spirit to break that supply chain as means to prevent consumption. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
