Rwamagana authorities destroy illicit drugs

RWAMAGANA – Local leaders in Rwamagana District, at the weekend, joined police in destroying several kilogrammes of marijuana and illicit alcohol, otherwise known as Kanyanga. A pre-dawn police swoop saw several litres of illicit liquor, mainly smuggled from neighbouring Uganda, impounded. At least 457 litres of expired fruit drinks were also impounded from shops and then destroyed. Rwamagana Mayor, Nehemie Uwimana, asked the public to be vigilant enough to inhibit drugs trafficking in the area. The mayor warned the youth against smoking and consumption of illicit alcohol. “Young people involved in drinking Kanyanga are doomed failures…smoking marijuana has made some of them insane,” he said. “We are happy that the community is now supportive in checking use of drugs…illicit drug dealers are in the community. Kanyanga and marijuana have had far-reaching negative impact on our communities.” According to police, drug dealers have continued with the trade unabated despite several warnings. Police says that most drug dealers had either been fined or imprisoned for several years, without reforming. Docile Gapira, a prosecutor, said that convicts face jail terms of up to five-years or a fine of not less than Rwf250, 000. “We are actually witnessing a decrease in the (drugs) trade. This could be due to the heavy punishments meted out to such criminals,” she observed, adding that prosecutors prefer a jail term as a deterrent measure. stephen.rwembeho@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwamagana authorities destroy illicit drugs