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Strengthened operations by the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) targeting major drug dealers led to the arrest of two people in Rubavu District with 5000 pellets of cannabis.
Jean Baptiste Byiringiro, 30, and Mukeshimana Speciose ,35, were arrested red-handed on April 15, in Gakomero Village, Gacurabwenge Cell, Busasamana Sector.
The Western Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said the two suspects, both residents of Gasiza Cell, had just received the consignment from another supplier, who is still at large.
"ANU had information that Byiringiro and Mukeshimana are among the big dealers and that had received a new consignment from their supplier in Gacurabwenge Sector. They were arrested at about 8pm on April 15, with a bundle of 5000 pellets of cannabis as they headed to Gasiza Cell where, it is believed, they were going to supply retailers," CIP Karekezi said.
The spokesperson lauded residents of Rubavu, who have continued to exhibit high spirit of responsiveness in reporting drug dealers.
"There is increase in arrest of major drug dealers especially in Rubavu and Rusizi districts, all due to the strong partnership between Police and the public in information sharing," the spokesperson said.
The arrest of Byiringiro came just two days after ANU arrested another major drug dealer also in Rubavu, Kanzenze Sector with 2,363 pellets of cannabis.
Three other drug dealers were arrested on April 8, in Gicumbi and Nyamasheke districts with 28kgs and 1,073 pellets of cannabis.
Another major drug trafficker was arrested on April 1, in Gacurabwenge Sector, Rubavu District with 5,000 pellets of cannabis.
Article 3 of the Ministerial order nº 001/MoHo/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation, classifies cannabis among the "very severe narcotics."
Article 263 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, provides a sentence of between 20 years and life in prison for anyone convicted of dealing in "very severe narcotic drugs" and a fine of between Frw20 million and Frw30 million.
