Jean Damascene Karambizi, 54, Faustin Buhiga, 47, Samuel Habumugisha and Jeremie Nkundimana, 39, were intercepted in Tumba Sector, Gitwa Cell in Rebero Village.

They were at the time found in possession of 10kgs of cannabis, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said.

It is said that the four suspects were trafficking the narcotics into the country from the neighbouring Burundi, through porous border points.

"A concerned resident first reported Karambizi to be a major drug dealer heading a ring of other drug traffickers, local suppliers and retailers," CIP Twajamahoro said.

"ANU officers posed as buyers, called Karambizi to supply them. Karambizi told them that the narcotics were out of store but informed them that he was waiting for another consignment from Burundi," he added.

Indeed, on June 24, at about 7 PM, Burundi nationals, who are part of the ring, sneaked the narcotics into the country through Akanyaru.

"Karambizi sent Faustin Buhiga to Akanyaru to collect the new consignment. He (Karambizi) called the would-be retailers the following morning on June 25, to inform them of the new delivery.

When ANU arrived, they found Karambizi, Buhiga and their other two usual clients; Habumugisha and Nkundimana, who had also come to collect their share. They were all arrested and exhibits—10kgs of cannabis—impounded," CIP Twajamahoro explained.

He thanked the resident, whose credible information led to the successful operation.
He further advised against such criminal practices and commended the role of the public in breaking trafficking and supply chains.

Anyone convicted as a major dealer or supply in "severe drugs" under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in Rwanda, faces between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.