Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, said that Jean Bosco Ndayambaje, 32, and Kassim Ndagijimana, 31 had concealed 2002 pellets of cannabis in a sac of Irish potatoes.

“The suspects were arrested in Musanze bus station. We received information earlier from residents, that there is cannabis in a bus from Rubavu to Musanze. They have given reliable information with details including the plate number of the vehicle, the name of the transport company and even how the consignment of cannabis was parked,” he said.

“At the arrival of the bus, Ndayambaje and Ndagijimana were waiting for that luggage, they took it off from the bus, as we were aware and prepared, we caught them red-handed in possession of 2002 pellets of cannabis,” CIP Rugigana explained.

The Police spokesperson in Northern region added that police officers are aware and able to identify different tricks that traffickers use, due to the strong partnership with the public that provides credible information.

He warned that all drug dealers ‘will be arrested and face justice’. CIP Rugigana further commended residents who share information on wrongdoers, urging them to keep that spirit.

“Now, people understand that drug abuse has ill impacts, not only on individuals but also on the whole community. Residents are ready to report drug traffickers and any other tricks that they could be using will be known,” CIP Rugigana warned.

Some of the identified tricks used by drug traffickers include wrapping the substances around their body, in women veils, in pumpkins and other groceries, tyres and fuel tanks, among others.

Article 263 of the new penal code on “acts related to the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances,” in its third paragraph, says;

Any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he or she is liable to a life imprisonment and a fine of between Rwf20 million and not more Rwf30 million in regard to “severe narcotic drugs”; imprisonment for a term of not less than 7 years and not more than 10 years and a fine of up to Rwf10 million in regard to “simple narcotics.”