KIGALI, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Monday kicked off a campaign to tackle drug-related crimes as drug abuse among the young people raised concerns in the country.

The campaign that involves religious organizations is expected to strengthen community policing efforts and other measures put in place to end substance abuse.

Drug abuse among young people has raised a red flag in the country, said Rwandan minister of youth Rosemary Mbabazi at the launch.

Mbabazi attributed some young people's poor academic performance in schools to alcohol and substance abuse, adding that the practice contributes to numerous cases of students dropping out of school and indulge in crimes.

More than 4,000 people including 500 women were arrested in 2017 due to cases of drug-related crimes. Youth aged between 18 and 35 representing 71.4 percent of the cases, statistics from the Rwanda police show.

"If this trend goes unchecked, we can end up having a failed society. Urgent measures should be taken to end drug abuse in schools and in our society at large," said Emmanuel Gasana, inspector general of police of Rwanda.

Earlier this month, the Rwandan ministry of education issued a directive requiring all students planning to study abroad on government sponsorship to undergo a drug test.

Prior to the students' departure, they will be required to show a medical certificate proving that they are drug-free.

The latest campaign also comes barely a month after the country announced a total ban on importation and smoking of water-pipe tobacco popularly known as shisha.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame tasked the country's leadership to find a lasting solution to drug abuse among young people at the annual National Dialogue Council last December. Enditem