{A commercial motorcyclist in Nyagatare District was apprehended on June 24 after he was caught transporting banned crude gin commonly known as Kanyanga.}
The suspect, Phocas Nshimiyimana, was arrested when officers discovered that he was transporting 20 liters of kanyanga, and he is currently held at Nyagatare Police Station as further investigations commence.
Kanyanga is among the brands categories as narcotic drugs under article 24 of the law governing 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.”
Police said Nshimiyimana was apprehended during a police operation in which also four other motorcyclists in Gatsibo District who were found riding without permits., were arrested.
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.
He commended residents who are always helpful in providing information about illegal practices that lead to arrests.
“Police is working with the community to ensure that trade in narcotic drugs does not flourish and has continuously conducted 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 hundreds of dealers, most of whom have been prosecuted and banned brews and drugs, such as cannabis, 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.
Growing, making, selling, transforming, transporting, storing and consumption of narcotic drugs and 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.
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