The arrest is part of the ongoing Rwanda National Police operations to break drug supply chains.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said Manizabayo was arrested in Rugazi Village, Kanyangese Cell of Rugarama Sector with small sacks of cannabis concealed in a big sack, which he was carrying.

"The ANU officers responded to information from residents that Manizabayo was carrying a suspicious luggage which they believed to be cannabis. Manizabayo was intercepted in Rugazi Village at about 3pm and taken into custody after officers found the sack he was carrying containing cannabis weighing 8.5kgs," SP Twizeyimana said.

Manizabayo, who was handed over to RIB at Rugarama station for further investigations, claimed that the narcotics belong to one Olivier Niyibizi, also a resident of Rugazi Village.

He added that the said Niyibizi had contracted him to deliver the narcotics to clients.

The narcotics are trafficked into Rwanda from Uganda through porous borders, according to Manizabayo, and delivered to Niyibizi by a motorcyclist.

"Niyibizi is a suspected major drug dealer in Gatsibo and law enforcement organs are still searching for him," said SP Twizeyimana.

The said Niyibizi was released from prison about four months ago after completing his sentence at Ntsinda prison for the same crime.

SP Twizeyimana thanked the resident, who reported the criminal act and urged the public to maintain the same spirit by reporting anyone they suspect to be a drug dealer.

Cannabis is classified as a very severe narcotic drug with a sentence ranging from 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.