According to the police, the suspect identified as Pacifique Iradukunda was first stopped at Gatuna border after authorities suspected him of carrying the drugs.
“He fled leaving behind a vehicle with number plate UAQ 238 U, which he was driving and in which the drugs were recovered,” Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said.
“Iradukunda later came back and tried to bribe a Revenue Protection Unit officer with Rwf200, 000 so as to release his impounded vehicle whereupon he was immediately arrested,” he added.
Khat is a drug composed of the leaves of a wild plant. Also called Catha edulis, it contains two mild stimulants; cathinone and cathine. It’s associated with an increased risk for a variety of medical complications, including dental disease and mouth cancers, heart problems, liver disease, sleep problems and reduced appetite.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified khat in 1980 as a drug of abuse that can produce psychological dependence.
“In Rwanda, khat is a narcotic drug that is listed among the psychotropic substances and banned under the ministerial order nº20/35 of 09/6/2015 determining unauthorized drinks and other controlled substances classified as narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
He went on to say that Iradukunda has been handed over to Rwanda Investigations Bureau (RIB) that is currently handling the case.
Article 594 of the penal code states that any person who unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances shall be liable to a term of up to five years and a fine of up to Rwf5 million.
However, under the same article, if the act is committed internationally or across the border, the penalties shall be doubled.
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