Rwanda National Police has hailed members of the public for their partnership in crime reporting saying that most of the criminals apprehended are a result of information from the locals.
The public appreciation was sent out by the Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Celestin Twahirwa reacting to different cases of people who were recently arrested in connection with drug trafficking.
“The public is vibrantly involved in crime prevention through reporting offenders to security organs; this is due to our partnership with all categories of people including Community Policing Committees, the youth, the business community, opinion and local leaders,” ACP Twahirwa said.
Police has continuously embarked on public sensitization that focuses most on encouraging members of the public to report anyone they suspect of being involved in criminal activities.
“We are seeing a big impact of the awareness campaigns, the public especially those residing along the border where the illicit substances are trafficked through un gazetted borders, give us credible information,” he added.
A case in point is, Theoneste Uwitonze, a resident of Gehengeri sector who was arrested on February 19, in connection with drug trafficking. The suspect was found with 265 pellets of cannabis while in Nyagatare, another Dany Noheri was found with five cartons of zebra waragi – a banned gin in Rwanda.
In Rulindo District, police arrested Jean Nepo Mbereyimana and Anitha Mukansanga trafficking 468 pellets of cannabis while in Musanze District police intercepted a motorcycle carrying 14 litres of Kanyanga.
“Most of these suspects were apprehended after members of the public informed us, and actually provided detailed information on traffickers, sellers or consumers,” said ACP Twahirwa.
He seized the opportunity to call on those involved to refrain from such illegal trades saying that by all means the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them.
“Such kind of actions will lead you into troubles that are avoidable, we encourage you to refrain from drug trafficking and be partners in safety and security by reporting those that still stick with the dirty businesses,” said the Police spokesperson.
Article 24 of the law on narcotics states that any drink that exceeds 45 percent of alcohol and any other drink which doesn’t have the required quality for consumption shall be considered as narcotic drug.
Growing, selling, transformation, transportation, storage and consumption of narcotic drugs are prohibited under article 593 and punishable under article 594, with a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of Rwf500,000 to Rwf5 million.
ACP Twahirwa urged the residents to maintain the spirit to break that supply chain and curtail drug consumption.
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