Augustin Nzamwita, 34, was arrested in Bugarama Sector in a "targeted operation" conducted by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU).

Chief Inspector of Police(CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region said that Nzamwita was at the time found in possession of 9kgs of cannabis.

"Nzamwita is a resident of Bugarama in Rusizi where he was known to be one of the major suppliers of cannabis. He was recently reported by an area resident and the successful operation was based on that credible information," said CIP Kayigi.

Nzamwita admitted to the crime adding that he has been in this criminal business for a while.

"I traffic them into the country from farmers in Kamanyola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)," Nzamwita said.

While thanking a resident who facilitated the successful operation, CIP Kayigi called for increased ownership and partnership against drug dealers.

Anyone convicted for "severe drugs" under article 263 of the penal code, faces between 20 years and life in prison, and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.