{Police in Nyagatare District intercepted a motorcycle taxi operator trafficking about 60 liters of crude gin commonly known as Kanyanga, and two cartons of zebra gin, both classified as narcotic drugs and banned in Rwanda.}
According to Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, the motorcycle with plate numbers RC439 D was intercepted in Musheri sector
“When we attempted to stop the cyclist he diverted and dumped the motorcycle and ran off. We are currently conducting in-depth investigations that we are hope will lead to the arrest of the suspect,”
Kanyanga is among the substances categories as narcotic drugs under article 24 of the law that defines narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors in Rwanda.
It states that “any drink that exceeds forty five percent of alcohol and any other drink which doesn’t have the required quality for consumption shall be considered as narcotic drug.
In a related development, while reacting to the incident, Police Spokesperson for Eastern Province, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, said that Police will ensure protection of the community against the consumption of such dangerous substances, warning motorcyclists against facilitating drug trafficking and trade.
“Police is working with the community to ensure that trade in such illegal substance is wiped out through continuous sensitization campaigns on the dangers of narcotics in general,” IP Kayigi said.
“RNP has intensified operations against the supply chain of narcotics by investigating individuals and groups involved in this crime, which has led to the arrest of scores of dealers, most of whom have been prosecuted and banned brews and drugs seized and destroyed.”
He also encouraged residents to uphold their role in security and encouraged, particularly, the youth to be watchful against drug dealers and cooperate with Police through the timely provision of information.
Consumption of illicit substance is prohibited and punishable by law in Rwanda.
Article 594 of the penal code stipulates that any person who unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of Rwf500,000 to Rwf5 million.
Leave a Reply