Saidi Alphonse was arrested in Bisizi Village of Rusigari Cell in Cyanzarwe Sector, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson of the Western region, said.

"The Anti-Narcotics Unit received credible information that Saidi is part of the ring that traffics cannabis into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The unit also learnt that Saidi works with his elder brother based in DRC, who sends the narcotics; Saidi is the local contact who distributes the narcotics to other retailers," CIP Karekezi said.

Based on this detailed information, CIP Karekezi said, ANU tracked Saidi at his home following new information that he had received a new consignment.

He was arrested red-handed after receiving 3000 pellets of cannabis concealed in two bags.

He was handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau in Gisenyi.

"Law enforcement organs are working together to identify, locate and arrest all members of this trafficking chain," Karekezi said.

He warned anyone working with drug traffickers or facilitating them in any way, that they will also be arrested and prosecuted.
Anyone convicted for dealing in "severe drugs" faces between 20 years and life in prison and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.