Police arrest four in Kigali over cannabis trafficking

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda National Police Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) has arrested four people in Kigali’s Gasabo District after they were found in possession of 876 rolls of cannabis.

The suspects were apprehended on September 2, 2025, in Kinyinya and Gisozi Sectors while allegedly attempting to deliver the drugs to their customers, Kigali City Police spokesperson CIP Wellars Gahonzire confirmed.

According to CIP Gahonzire, the suspects are aged 25, 30, 34, and 26. “Upon their arrest, they confessed that the cannabis had been brought from Rulindo District and transported to their clients in Kigali. The operation was successful thanks to information provided by residents,” he said.

He commended citizens who tipped off authorities, saying their collaboration prevented the drugs from being distributed.

“The Rwanda National Police warns individuals engaged in trafficking, consuming, or smuggling drugs into the country. They should desist and seek lawful activities instead. The crackdown is ongoing, and every tactic they use is already known—there is nowhere to hide,” Gahonzire cautioned.

Under Rwandan law, cannabis is classified as a serious narcotic. Anyone convicted of producing, cultivating, processing, transporting, storing, distributing, or selling it faces life imprisonment and a fine ranging between Rwf 20 million and Rwf 30 million.