Police in Kirehe district has discovered a 10 hectares marijuana plantation in a swamp along the Akagera River, Eastern Province. The plantation was unearthed during an operation conducted by joint forces in partnership with villagers. The plantation has been uprooted and the plants destroyed.
The owner of the plantation, Eric Ndayisaba, escaped an arrest, but Police said efforts to apprehend him are underway.
The Head of Police Ant Narcotic Unit Superintendent Janvier Ntakirutimana, who was part of the team that cordoned the area, said residents were supportive during the operation.
He said residents were supportive because Police has been sensitizing the public on the effects of drug abuse through community policing.
SP Ntakirutimana said drug abuse is a big threat to national security and development. According to The World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 200 million people worldwide abuse drugs at least once a year, of which 25 million are declared addicted. Each year, 2.5 million people die globally from drug abuse-related illnesses.
“We have thus intensified our efforts together with different stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse,” he said.
Growing, supply and consumption of marijuana is punishable by Rwanda laws. Any person found guilty can face a three-year jail term and a fine of up to Rwf500, 000.
Source:RNP
UM– USEKE.RW
