{Rwanda National Police (RNP) has urged about 2000 students of GS Gahengeri in Rwamagana District to keep away from illicit drugs to avoid ruining their lives.}
The call was made by the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) Inspector of Police (IP) Goreth Uwimana, during an awareness campaign held at the school on January 30.
In her address to the students, Uwimana reminded them that most people get involved in trafficking of drugs as means of getting quick money and in the process cause irreparable harm to many lives.
“The problem with narcotics is that anyone can be a victim irrespective of the age. This, in turn, affects many areas such as education, health, morals and, of course, without forgetting security issues such as domestic violence, robberies and homicides,” she said.
Most drugs registered in Rwanda are cannabis and illicit brew under different brand names such as muriture, bareteta, yewe muntu and ibikwangari, which are brewed locally and other contrabands like Kanyanga, Blue Sky and other banned gin packed in plastic bags that are trafficked from neighbouring countries.
“Fighting drug abuse is one of the priorities of Rwanda National Police to ultimately combat all other crimes that are related to drug abuse,” Uwimana noted.
The DCLO told the students that one of the effects of drug abuse is mistreating and abusing the children in their families and communities by the abusers.
“Normally, a child subjected to any form of abuse can developed psychological trauma especially when parents are acting rudely under the influence of drugs. Whenever you encounter such a situation, report to the police in the quickest time possible.”
She called upon the students to say no to drugs and concentrate on studies which she noted is their primary objective.
“You are the police as well; when you say no to any illegal dealing or report anything unlawful, you are promoting safety, security and stability and that way, you are equally playing a policing role and building your nation as required. Youth are the future of our nation and our country’s development will depend on how healthy you are.” IP Uwimana said.
She reminded the students that drug abuse among the youth is one of the factors that lead to school drop-outs, while it partly threatens their security.
“Drug abuse has an effect on someone’s state of mind. Anyone who consumes such substances can’t perform well in class or even succeed in life. You should ensure you protect your future,” she said.
Uwimana added that “Some students perform poorly in schools because they engage in drug abuse and consume illicit brew. This also results into violence because they are under influence of these drugs; they engage in theft, assault, fornication which results into unwanted pregnancies and dropping out of school.”
The school headmistress, Bernadette Nikuze lauded Rwanda National Police for its awareness programmes and partnership, which builds trust with the people, and subsequently getting positive feedback.
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