Police in Gicumbi district, yesterday arrested a Ugandan national identified as Ibrahim Kaggwa found in possession with Ten Kilograms of mayirungi.
Mayirungi is a local name given to a narcotic khat leaf stuffed in the mouth and chewed like gum. It is chewed as a social tonic and stimulant. It is legal in some countries especially Somalia.
Khat contains a stimulant chemical Alkaloid called cathinone which is said to cause excitement, loss of appetite and euphoria. In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence (less than tobacco or alcohol).
The WHO does not consider khat to be seriously addictive. The plant has been targeted by anti-drug organizations. It is a controlled or illegal substance in some countries, but is legal for sale and production in others.
According to Police sources in Gicumbi, Kaggwa was cited entering an ONATRACOM bus while carrying a bag containing some leafy substance that was later established to be mayirungi.
When the bus had moved approximately 300 meters from the boarder to Kigali, the driver stopped and the suspect rushed from the nearby bush into the bus.
When the suspect cited police officers approaching, he decided to throw away the bag to the nearby bush. This however did not work out well for him because the bus conductor confirmed to the police that the thrown- away bag belonged to Kaggwa.
The arrest took place at Gatuna border post. The suspect with exhibits is detained at Gatuna Police post.
Asked why he stopped, the bus driver explained that some passenger’s bags had fallen and that there was a need to re arrange them properly.
Police investigation further indicates that Kaggwa had been released from prison over the same charges.
Police Spokesperson Superintendent Theos Badege warned for people involved in dealing and consuming illegal drugs adding that, police devised concrete mechanisms to deter, apprehend and bring these criminal to justice.
He called on citizens to engage in a more income generating and productive activities rather than indulging in drugs that simply cause them troubles.
“We have different initiatives put in place to Rwandans and more particularly the youth, it is imperative that people join such development oriented programs that lead to increased house hold incomes”, Badege said.
Badege further asked citizens to partner with security organs by availing information that leads to apprehension of criminals.
Rwanda National Police have consistently carried out different public education campaigns against drugs with the recent held in Serena that was centered at protecting the youth from drugs and alcohol.
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