The trio include a taxi-moto operator, who was intercepted along Nyabihu-Ngororero highway transporting 4134 pellets of cannabis.

Two others are suspected traffickers and suppliers, according to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the Western Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO).

"The hired transporter, a taxi-moto operator, was intercepted at about 11a.m, by the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (ASOC) unit, in Mukamira sector along Nyabihu-Ngororero highway after it was tipped off by some members of the public," CIP Rukundo said.

He added: "The motorcyclist later disclosed another man, a trader in Bigogwe Sector, who have him the very severe narcotic drugs to deliver them to a client in Muhanga District. The said trader was also located and arrested at a bar in Bigogwe alongside another man, who is also suspected to be a member of the same ring."

Police also recovered packaging products at the trader’s home in Kibingi village, kijote cell in Bigogwe Sector, which they were using to pack cannabis in small rolls.

The suspects were handed over to RIB at Jenda station for further investigations.

The taxi-moto operator said that he was hired for Rwf100,000 to deliver the narcotics to someone in Muhanga.

"Law enforcement organs are still searching for other members of the rackets, including their retailing clients."

CIP Rukundo lauded the residents, who facilitate security operations to break chains of supply.

Trafficking and selling very severe narcotic drugs in Rwanda attracts an imprisonment of between 20 years and life, under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda.