Five people were yesterday separately arrested in different parts of the country as the campaign against narcotics and illicit brew intensifies. The suspects include a 60-year- old man, arrested in Gakoni Cell, Muganza Sector, Rusizi District, together with an 18-year-old accomplice. Both are suspected to be part of a narcotics cartel in the district.The duo currently detained at Muganza Police Station, were found with 64 pellets of cannabis at the time of arrest, according to Police.In Gihundwe Sector of the same district, a 53- year old man who was found in possession of half a kilogramme of cannabis was also apprehended. Elsewhere, two other suspects were arrested in Nyarugenge and Gasabo districts, respectively.One of the suspects currently being held at Mageragere Police Station was found with 95 pellets of cannabis at the time of his arrest, while another was arrested after he was found brewing a local illicit brew commonly known as Kanyanga.The narcotic drugs are reportedly trafficked into the country from neighbouring countries, especially Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo through illegal routes.The Central Region Police Spokesperson, Supt Albert Gakara, said police has devised strategies to combat the illegal trade, especially by “cutting of the supply chain.”According to article 594 of the penal code, any person, who consumes, injects, inhales, anoints him/herself with or makes any other unlawful use of narcotic drugs, is liable to a term of imprisonment of one year to three years and a fine of Rwf50, 000 to Rwf500, 000.However, any person who unlawfully makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three years to five years and a fine of Rwf500, 000 to Rwf5 million.If the acts under the preceding paragraph are committed internationally, the penalties are doubled.
