A vehicle carrying illicit gin has been intercepted in the City of Kigali in a crackdown to break the supply chain of illicit drugs.

The vehicle, registration number RAA 731C, was intercepted in Kimisagara Sector of Nyarugenge District yesterday morning, transporting 56 boxes of Kitoko, a banned gin.

Emmanuel Hitayezu, Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that the driver of the impounded car, identified as Emmanuel Uwimpuhwe, was arrested and is currently detained at Rwezamenyo Police Station where the impounded vehicle and drugs were taken.

"Police in Kigali had information that Uwimpuhwe was transporting the illicit gin and officers trailed and located him in Kimisagara, where he was stopped and arrested,” Hitayezu said.

"The suspect had attempted to escape after spotting Police but he was pursued and apprehended.”

Kitoko, like other gins such as kanyanga, Chief and Zebra Waragi, which are also parked in plastic bags, are classified as narcotic drugs.

Plastic bags were banned in Rwanda as well.

"We call upon the public to take the lead in this fight by giving us information on the dealers; they have been instrumental in identifying and arresting drug dealers and abusers and we believe their participation in this fight will ultimately break the supply chain,” Hitayezu said.

He emphasised that fighting drug abuse remains part of the Rwanda National Police priorities through awareness, community policing, investigations and operations.

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