Gicumbi District has formed anti-Kanyanga clubs in all the 21 sectors of the district as one of the measures to break the chain of traffickers of the banned crude gin. As means to strengthen the performance of the clubs, the district has now organised special training for all clubs in a bid to have a common understanding in responding to the vice. The first batch of Training of Trainers (ToT) that brought together 68 members of anti-Kanyanga clubs from seven sectors classified as main major routes, ended on January 17. The seven sectors are Manyagiro, Nyankenke, Rubaya, Cyumba, Rushaki, Kaniga and Mukarange. The two-day training looked on the types of illicit drugs and status in Gicumbi, concept of community policing and building networks to identify the dealers and routes used; laws against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances that include Kanyanga, and the general crime prevention strategy, among others. In August last year, illicit drugs worth Rwf17 million were destroyed in Gicumbi. Later in November, other drugs worth Rwf21 million seized in three-month police operations were also destroyed. Majority of the seized and destroyed drugs was Kanyanga and other banned gin which are mostly packaged in banned plastic bags. Speaking at the training, the District Police Commander, Chief Supt. Dan Ndayambaje urged participants to “put the acquired skills to good use” to break the supply chains and protect communities from insecurity caused by consumers. “We have been partners in crime detection and prevention, this training will further entrench your knowledge about crime prevention and establish a more concrete working framework with security organs, local leaders and the people, to achieve the main objective of developing societies free of crime,” Chief Supt. Ndayambage said. He noted that drug abuse is an “enemy of peace and development” since users end up in crime and become lazy. “These forums should serve as a channel to share information that ensures sustainable public safety. It is a voluntary duty that requires integrity, and distancing yourselves from any unlawful acts.” The district vice mayor in charge of social affairs, Charlotte Benihirwe appealed to the participants to be an ‘ear and eye’ of safety.
