KIGALI, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cases of child defilement and drug abuse are among rampant cases in Rwandan courts, Rwanda's Chief Justice Sam Rugege said Friday.

In the past three years, more than 9,300 people were convicted of either drug abuse or trafficking, Rugege said at the opening of the 2018/19 judicial year in the Rwandan capital city Kigali.

He expressed dismay that cases of drug abuse seem to be on upward trend, from 1,030 registered in 2016 to 4199 so far this year.

Rugege also said 2,728 people were convicted of child defilement between 2016 and 2018 in different courts in the country, most of which involved victims between 3 to 12 years old.

Those found guilty of defilement will face 20 to 25 years in prison, and up to a life sentence for committing the crime against children below 14 years old. Trafficking or dealing in banned drugs will be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.