The Rwanda National Police have arrested 30 people suspected of involvement in the trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs in Burera District, Northern Province. The operation, conducted on the night of Thursday, November 12, 2026, in collaboration with other security organs and local residents, resulted in the seizure of more than 700 litres of kanyanga and 30 kilogrammes of cannabis in Gatebe and Kivuye sectors.
All 30 suspects are men. They include individuals allegedly found transporting the drugs, those suspected of identifying routes for their movement and others accused of providing protection for the illegal activities.
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Police Warn Against Drug Trafficking
The Police Spokesperson in the Northern Province, CIP Ignace Ngirabakunzi, said the police would continue educating residents about the dangers and consequences of narcotic drugs, while taking action against those involved in their distribution.
He said”We will continue to teach residents about the consequences of narcotic drugs and also encourage them to stay away from them, but those who remain stubborn will be arrested and prosecuted,”
He added: “What we ask people is to avoid them, and understand that narcotic drugs kill, cause disability and contribute to undermining security and general peace.”The Rwanda National Police also warned people involved in drug-related activities to stop, saying that such practices would not be tolerated and that operations to combat them had been intensified.The suspects and the seized substances were handed over to Bungwe Police Station in Burera District for further legal proceedings.
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Legal Penalties for Drug-Related Offences
Law No. 68/2018 of August 30, 2018, determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, addresses drug-related offences under Article 263. The article provides that a person who unlawfully manufactures, cultivates, processes, transports, stores, supplies or sells narcotic drugs, or medicines used as such, commits an offence.
It further provides for penalties that vary according to the classification of the drugs and the circumstances of the offence, particularly where the activities are carried out for profit. According to the provisions cited, the penalties upon conviction include:
- Very serious narcotic drugs: Life imprisonment and a fine of more than Rwf20 million but not exceeding Rwf30 million.
- Serious narcotic drugs: Imprisonment of between 20 and 25 years and a fine of between Rwf15 million and Rwf20 million.
- Light narcotic drugs: Imprisonment of between seven and 10 years and a fine of between Rwf5 million and Rwf10 million.
