Six people are in detention in Nyabihu District for possession and trafficking of about 11,500 pellets of cannabis and attempting to bribe police officers. 

The suspects, Marie Louise Mukasine, Fabien Ntawunezarubanda, Sifa Nyirahakuzimana, Damaris Musabyimana, Jean de Dieu Mutarambirwa and Vestine Irankunda, were paraded to the media on Friday.

According to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), the six suspects are currently detained at Mukamira station, pending investigation, after which a case file will be submitted to the prosecution.

They were arrested on Wednesday May 5, 2021 in Bigogwe Sector of Nyabihu District.

Dr. Thierry Murangira, the RIB Spokesperson, said Ntawunezarubanda also attempted to bribe police officers with Rwf1 million for his release.

According to a 2019 Ministerial order, cannabis is classified in the category of "very severe narcotics." Other drugs in the same category are cocaine, heroine and opium.

"RIB warns everyone engaging in the trafficking of narcotics that they should stop it. That is because legal measures as well as the capabilities to stop the illegal activities have been tightened," Dr. Murangira told journalists on Friday.

Upon conviction, a person caught with "very severe narcotics" faces life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.

Dr Murangira said that if Ntawunezarubanda is convicted, he will face 5 to 7 years in prison and a fine three to five times the amount he attempted to give.