On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Rwanda National Police’s Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) thwarted an attempt to distribute 36 kilograms of cannabis in Nyarugenge District. The operation led to the arrest of two men, aged 53 and 43, who were transporting the drugs in a Toyota Verso vehicle with license plate RAF 800 I. The cannabis was concealed in three sacks hidden within the vehicle’s spare tire.
The suspects were apprehended in Nyarusange village, Nyamweru cell, Kanyinya sector, following a tip-off from local residents. Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Wellars Gahonzire, the Kigali City Police spokesperson, confirmed that the arrests were made possible due to community cooperation.
Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to regularly trafficking cannabis from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Rwanda. They disclosed that they would meet motorcycle taxi operators at Gitikinyoni, who would then distribute the drugs within Kigali and Kamonyi District.
CIP Gahonzire cautioned individuals involved in drug trafficking to cease such illegal activities and engage in lawful employment, emphasizing that continued operations and community vigilance would lead to their apprehension. He also commended the public for providing timely information that prevented the distribution of the seized cannabis.
The arrested individuals and the confiscated drugs were handed over to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at the Kanyinya station for further legal proceedings.
According to Ministerial Order No. 001/MoH/2019 dated March 4, 2019, cannabis is classified as a severe narcotic. Article 263 of the law determining offenses and penalties stipulates that anyone who illegally produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another, or sells narcotic drugs commits an offense. If convicted, the offender faces life imprisonment and a fine ranging from 20 million to 30 million Rwandan Francs.
