{The Rwanda National Police (RNP) anti-narcotics unit extended its countrywide awareness campaign against illicit drugs to the residents of Nyanza District on July 7 as the force continues to strengthen its community policing policy in crime detection, fighting and prevention.}
The awareness campaign held in Busasamana Sector brought together about 3500 area residents including students and motorcyclists.
It was also attended by local leaders and partners from the Ministry of Health.
Solange Umutesi, the Nyanza vice mayor in charge of social affairs appealed to the residents to own the fight against illicit drugs in their communities and facilitate police with information on the dealers and users.
Supt. Christophe Semuhungu, the director of the anti-narcotics unit, which operates under the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), noted that although some narcotic drugs like cannabis and illicit gin like crude waragi and other contrabands are trafficked from neighbouring countries, there are other illicit drinks distilled locally that influence users to indulge in other crimes like assault, domestic and gender based violence.
“There is nothing good in drinking these psychotropic substances and most of you have witnessed that in your families and communities where wives and children have been battered and abuse by parents under the influence of these drugs and family property sold causing domestic wrangles,” Supt. Semuhungu said.
He urged them to be reliable and active partners and share timely information on anyone involved in trafficking, making, selling and abuse drugs adding that fighting them is a collective responsibility.
Dr. Innocent Turate, the head of Institute for HIV/AIDs, Diseases Prevention & Control at Rwanda Biomedical Centre reminded the residents that narcotic drugs is anything that affects one’s thinking and habits and ultimately influencing them to do or commit a crime.
Dr. Turate went on to say that such illicit drugs affect one’s health noting that their contents are hazardous.
“This campaign is meant to keep you safe and healthy and that’s why you should as well be part of it and report those involved.”
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