The Rwandan police have conducted an operation in the Burera District, arresting 30 men suspected of trafficking and selling narcotics. The operation, which took place on the night of November 12, 2026, was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and based on intelligence provided by local residents. The arrested individuals, all men, are suspected of being involved in the trafficking and sale of narcotics, with some allegedly transporting the substances, others providing routes, and others assisting or protecting those involved.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 30 kilograms of marijuana and over 700 liters of cannabis oil. According to local residents, some of the men involved in the narcotics trade are lured by the promise of quick profits, but they often fail to consider the severe consequences of their actions, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Mudenge Donatien, a resident of Gatebe Sector, expressed his disappointment and concern about the involvement of able-bodied men in the narcotics trade, stating that it is disheartening to see men with the capacity to engage in productive activities instead choosing to involve themselves in such illicit activities.
Mpabwanayo Eliab, a resident of Kivuye Sector, emphasized that the narcotics trade should be condemned due to its far-reaching negative consequences, which far outweigh any perceived benefits. He noted that those involved in the trade often prioritize short-term gains without considering the long-term repercussions, including imprisonment, fines, and the burden on their families. Eliab also highlighted the risks of involving young people in the narcotics trade, which can lead to addiction and damage their future prospects.
The local youth have expressed their dismay at seeing adults, who should be role models, engaging in activities that can harm their community. Sindayiheba Eugène, a young resident of Burera District, stated that adults should set a good example for the youth, rather than encouraging them to engage in illicit activities for quick profits. He praised the police for their efforts in apprehending those involved in the narcotics trade and urged them to continue their work to protect the youth.
The spokesperson for the Rwanda Police in the Northern Province, CIP Ignace Ngirabakunzi, reiterated that the police will continue to educate the public about the dangers of narcotics and encourage them to shun such activities. However, those who insist on engaging in the trade will be arrested and prosecuted. Ngirabakunzi appealed to the public to cooperate with the police by providing information on those involved in the narcotics trade.
The Rwanda Police have called on the public to play a role in combating narcotics by providing information on those involved in the trade. The 30 arrested men, along with the seized narcotics, have been handed over to the Bungwe Police Station in Burera District for further investigation and prosecution. The police have assured the public that they will continue to work tirelessly to combat the narcotics trade and protect the community.
The Burera District narcotics trafficking case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Rwanda Police to combat the narcotics trade and protect the community. Key points from the case include: 30 men were arrested for trafficking and selling narcotics; 30 kilograms of marijuana and over 700 liters of cannabis oil were seized; and the police will continue to educate the public and work with them to combat the narcotics trade.
Key points
- The Rwanda Police arrested 30 men for narcotics trafficking in Burera District, seizing significant quantities of marijuana and cannabis oil.
- The arrested men are suspected of involvement in the trafficking and sale of narcotics, with some allegedly transporting the substances, others providing routes, and others assisting or protecting those involved.
- The police will continue to educate the public about the dangers of narcotics and encourage them to shun such activities, while prosecuting those who insist on engaging in the trade.
