Police destroy illicit drugs in Ruhango

​Seized illicit drugs that include 839 liters of banned crude gin – Kanyanga – and cannabis were destroyed on May 24 in Ruhango District with Police and local leaders calling for strong partnership to combat drug related crimes that are still relatively high in the district.

The public destruction exercise that attracted about 3000 residents was held in Ruhango Sector and presided over by the district mayor, Francois Xavier Mbabazi.

It was also attended by Prosecutor Jacqueline Nyirangayaboshya and the District Police Commander, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Jean Bosco Ndayisabye, among others.

“If we put our ideas together, recommit ourselves to share information on drug dealers and abusers in communities where we live, we will surely combat the vice,” Mbabazi observed.

Sharing timely information on any incident, drug dealers or anything suspicious, he noted, leads to quick response.

“Every time you suspect someone of being involved in any form of malpractices, you should hurriedly inform the authorities – that way, you will be contributing to building a safer society,” said the Mayor.

CIP Ndayisabye told residents of the dangers and effects of drug abuse to the consumer’s life and the community around them.

“Almost 80 percent of the crimes recorded in this area have a link to drugs. These crimes include assault, gender based violence and theft among others,” said CIP Ndayisabye.

“It’s criminal to use, transport, or sell drugs and narcotic substances like cannabis, illicit brew and other drugs. These substances have a health and financial effect to whoever abuses them. Effects of these substances are not selective; they reach out to anyone from a child to an adult,” he said.

Prosecutor Nyirangayaboshya also told residents about the laws punishing drug abuse saying that Kanyanga and cannabis are illegal and punishable under articles 594, 595 and 596 of the Rwanda penal code.

 Making, selling and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances attracts a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to Rwf5 million under article 594 of the penal code.

Facilitating another person to use drugs attracts a penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine of Rwf500, 000 to Rwf5 million under article 595 while under article 596, inducing a child to use narcotic drugs is punishable with an imprisonment of between five and seven years.