Rwanda National Police

On Friday, March 25, Rwanda National Police (RNP) apprehended a man in Mwurire Village, Kiyovu Cell, Ndego Sector of Kayonza District, who was transporting a drug dealer and a bundle containing 15kgs of cannabis.

The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamduni Twizeyimana, identified the suspect as Theoneste Nsengimana, 22, who was arrested due to a tip off by residents.

"Residents in Mwurire Village reported Nsengimana, who was transporting a passenger with a bundle of cannabis on a motorcycle, plate number RG 697A. Police conducted an operation and apprehended Nsengimana with the narcotics while the passenger, the alleged drug dealer, fled on seeing officers,? said SP Twizeyimana.

Nsengimana said that he was hired by the escapee, but could not identify him. He added that he got him from Karambi cell and were headed to Kabarondo.

SP Twizeyimana warned motorcyclists against facilitating and transporting drug dealers, and narcotics.

He further commended the impact of the public in identifying, reporting and arresting suspected drug dealers.

"Law enforcement organs are still working together to locate and arrest the suspected owner of the narcotics, who fled.

Nsengimana and exhibits were handed over to RIB at Ndego station for further investigations.

Article 3 of the Ministerial order n? 001/moh/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation classifies cannabis in the category of very severe narcotics.

Article 263 of the law No. 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general states that any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.

In case of "very severe narcotic drugs" the offender is liable to between 20 years and life imprisonment and a fine of between Frw20 million and Frw30 million.