POLICE in Huye District has arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly growing marijuana on his farm in Buhimba Cell of Rusatira Sector.The suspect (names withheld), was arrested early on Thursday and is being detained at Rusatira Police station.A tip off from an area resident led police officers to the cassava plantations where about 20 marijuana plants at an advanced stage were found, according to Police sources.Sources said the suspect has admitted to police that he was growing marijuana.Speaking from the police station, the suspect said he heard that marijuana is a profitable business which he wanted to try out. He could, however, not say where he got the information.The Southern Region Police Spokesperson Chief, Superintendent Hubert Gashagaza, told Saturday Times that it is rare for local residents to grow marijuana. Marijuana, which comes from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, is possibly one of the most frequently used illegal drugs in the country. It is widely believed that most of the drugs on sale in the country are being smuggled from neighbouring countries, through porous borders.CSP Gashagaza called upon residents to support efforts towards building a crime-free society.He also urged them to contribute to crime prevention by cooperating with the Police through sharing leads. “In most of the cases we have been arresting dealers after they have already distributed drugs to individuals. But it would be better if such big dealers were apprehended before intoxicating the community,” Gashagaza said. “It is when we stop such people from distributing drugs within the community that we can achieve success. That requires a high-level of collaboration from each and every individual.” The suspect faces charges of unlawfully growing and possessing marijuana, an offence which attracts between a one and three year jail term upon conviction.
