Rwanda National Police

Two people said to be part of the drug trafficking ring were arrested on Tuesday, July 19, at about 2pm, in Rubavu District with four bundles containing 6,000 pellets of cannabis.

Emmanuel Niyirora, 38, and Eric Ntagungira, 35, were intercepted in Shwemu Village, Gisa Cell in Rugerero Sector, transporting four bundles of cannabis on a motorcycle registration number RC 476A, which was also impounded.

Their arrest came five days after another drug dealer was also arrested in Rubavu transporting about 1,000 pellets of cannabis to his clients in Rugerero sector.

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Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Western region Police spokesperson, said the suspects were arrested due to a tip-off by local residents.

?The Rwanda National Police Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) had prior credible information from residents in Kageshi, Busasamana Sector about two people riding on the same motorcycle, transporting narcotics, which they had trafficked into Rwanda from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)," SP Karekezi said.

He added: "Police conducted an operation and intercepted the two drug dealers, who were using Byahi-Rugerero route, with the four bundles containing combined 6,000 pellets of cannabis."

The two men were allegedly heading to Nyanza District apparently to supply their clients there.

SP Karekezi issued a stern warning against drug traffickers and local retailers.

"There is increased cooperation and collaboration with the public to break drug supply chains, this and many other previous successful operations, are the results of this strong community policing," SP Karekezi said.

The suspects and exhibits were handed over to RIB at Gisenyi 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.