Rwandan artiste Arnold Mazimpaka, popularly known as Sintex, is in custody over alleged drug abuse, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed to The New Times.

The RIB spokesperson, Thierry Murangira, told The New Times that Sintex was arrested on May 4, 2023. It is also reported that he was arrested alongside other three people including renowned footballer Vivens Mukunzi who plays for Gorilla FC.

"Yes, it is true that Sintex was arrested for drug abuse,” Murangira said, adding that Rwanda Forensic Laboratory tests confirmed that he illegally used cannabis.

Drug use in Rwanda is punishable under Article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties which states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.

If a person is found guilty of abusing drugs, he or she is punished by not less than one year or over two years sentence in prison.

Born Arnold Kabera, Sintex has been doing music since 2012, just days after completing his secondary school studies in Uganda where he was popular as a dancer, but with little visibility.

Since 2016, his profile has been on a steady rise, thanks to a handful of singles and collaborations like ‘Ndabyimenyera’, ‘Let’s talk About Love’, and ‘Twifunze’, which gave him a spotlight in the industry.