Residents destroying drugs
Police apprehended four people suspected to be narcotic and illicit brew dealers in different areas across the country on December 26.
According to Police, two of the suspects namely; Jean Pierre Turikumwe aged 29 and Valens Tugiramahirwe aged 19 were arrested in Bungwe Sector, Burera District with 36 litres of illicit brew known as Kanyanga. They are currently held at Kivuye Police Station.
Another suspect identified as Benoit Ndayambaje aged 41 was also arrested in Bweramana Sector in Ruhango District with 22 pellets of cannabis. He is currently detained at Bweramana Police Post.
Kezzie Nyirasafari, 48 was captured in Busasamana sector, Rubavu District with 6 kg of cannabis and she is held at Busasamana Police post.
The Western Region Police Spokesman, Superintendent Urbain Mwiseneza called on the public to engage in legitimate income generating activities rather than indulge in drugs that would lead them into trouble.
He lauded the partnership between the public and security organs through sharing of information that helped in arresting these drug dealers.
“We have continued to make repetitive appeals to the community to enhance partnership through community policing so as to fight crimes that might affect their daily activities, thus hindering national development,” he said.
Drug abuse related crimes are among the serious crimes in the country and Rwanda National Police has conducted several campaigns against this crime, which has led to the arrest of many dealers and drugs seized and destroyed.
Police continues to call on local leaders, civil society and other stakeholders to work hand in hand to fight this illegal trade and consumption.
This year, hundreds of drug dealers, both consumers and traders were arrested in the first eight months. Drugs have negative health effects such as interference with thinking and perception, increased heart rate and anxiety, memory problems, learning difficulties, trouble with problem solving and loss of muscle activity.
The long-term use of marijuana may have the same effect on the brain as other drugs, causing a loss of motivation and behavioral problems.
Chronic marijuana use may increase risks for mental illness such as anxiety disorder, depression and schizophrenia.
According to the head of the Police Anti Narcotics Unit, Superintendent Emmanuel Ngondo, the biggest age group of drug users is between 18 and 35, most of them the youth.
