Anti-drug abuse campaign launched country wide

The Ministry of Youth, in partnership with Rwanda National Police (RNP) has launched an anti-drugs campaign across the country. The campaign kicked off with a march from camp Kigali to Nyamirambo stadium. The six-day campaign is aimed at sensitizing the youth to abhor the use of drugs and instead embark on ensuring that they lead healthy lives and concentrate on the development activities. Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, urged the youth to abstain from the use of drugs saying it has negatively affected the young generation. He highlighted several drugs such as opium, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and the local brew, Kanyanga, as the substances that cause plight of the youth. He singled out at domestic wrangles, accidents, rape, HIV infection and loss of lives and property as some of the dangers associated with the use of drugs. According to the 2010 police statistics, 2 tonnes of marijuana have been destroyed, 1,827 related arrests made and 1,444 cases have been filed. At the same time, 7,732 litres of Kanyanga have been destroyed, 1008 arrest made and 787 cases have been filed. Furthermore more than 5000 Kg of opium were destroyed. According to investigations and testimonies, there are many ways in which cross border drug trafficking is conducted. They include stomach surgery, swallowing condoms full of drugs and using food flasks to camouflage transported drugs. Protais Mitali, the Minister of Youth urged those addicted to drugs to join rehabilitation centres that would equip them with technical knowledge, discipline and reinstate cultural values which would help reshape their future.He called upon those present to sign performance contracts to ending the drug scourge in youth. The launch was attended by the different dignitaries including senators, the Police, army, students and the citizens of Kigali City. Ends