Two men arrested with 30 kilograms of cannabis smuggled from DRC

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda National Police’s anti-drug unit, ANU, has arrested two men, aged 40 and 28, who were transporting 30 kilograms of cannabis by motorcycle.

The suspects were apprehended in Mubuga Village, Nyamweru Cell, Kanyinya Sector, Nyarugenge District on August 24, 2025.

Kigali City Police spokesperson, CIP Gahonzire Wellars, told IGIHE that immediately after their arrest, the men admitted that the cannabis had been collected from Rubavu District.

He stated that the cannabis was brought into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“They were hired by a wanted individual to transport it to Nyamirambo in Nyarugenge District. They were also bringing another person who was to sell it. The men admitted that this was not the first time they had been involved in cannabis trafficking,” he said.

The 40-year-old suspect said he was hired to transport the cannabis and was to be paid 80,000 Rwf upon delivery.

The 28-year-old suspect was assigned to ride a motorcycle carrying a bag of cannabis and was to be paid 20,000 Rwf.

The arrested men and the seized cannabis have been handed over to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) to face legal proceedings while investigations into their accomplices continue.

The arrests were made with the support of community members who provided information before the news spread widely.

“This is a sign of cooperation between the Police and the community and shows that citizens are increasingly aware of the dangers of drugs, which negatively impact their lives.” CIP Gahonzire added.

He warned citizens against participating in drug-related activities, noting that such involvement always leads to arrest and punishment.

He emphasized that the Rwanda National Police will not tolerate anyone involved in supplying drugs to the public.

“They should stop because all their tricks are now known. If they want to engage in other activities, there are legal ways that can benefit them,” he said.

In Rwanda, cannabis is classified as a hard drug.

Anyone convicted by the courts for producing, cultivating, processing, possessing, storing, distributing, or selling it in the country faces life imprisonment and a fine ranging from 20 million to 30 million Rwf.