Rwanda National Police

Separate Police operations conducted on Thursday led to the arrest of 11 people for allegedly distilling and selling illicit brew.

They were apprehended in operations conducted in the districts of Rusizi, Bugesera, Kicukiro and Nyagatare.

Four of the suspects identified as Thomas Gakire, 40, Lazare Hategekimana, 48, Jean Pierre Rukimirana, 41, and Thomas Mbarubukeye, 50, were caught in Nyarugenge Sector, Bugesera District with 300 litres of Ibikwangari.

Ibikwangari is a psychotropic substance made out of mixed water, sugarcane residues, burned bricks and sorghum, among other raw materials.

In Rusizi, Police and local leaders seized 500 litres of illicit brew called mutarabanyi from two distillers identified as Mathew Mbanira, 38, and Ezra Mbarushimana, 33.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson of Western region, said that it was the second time Mbanira, who fled, has been found in such criminal tendencies.

Mutarabanyi substance is made up of sugar, pakamaya (industrial fertilizers) and Urwagwa (local beer).

"Most assault and dimestic conflicts recorded are linked to abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. We warn the public to domestic from distilling and consuming these poisonous substances," said CIP Karekezi.

“If you want to start a business, distilling and selling illicit drugs is a terrible and criminal idea that will only bring you losses and imprisonment,” he said.

Other four suspects; Callixte Mudahunga, 38, Theophile Ninsigizwe, 30, Valentine Muhoza, 31, and Diogene Bigirimana 42 were apprehended with 180 litres of illicit brew in Kicukiro District.

While in Nyagatare District, Police and local leaders arrested Valens Nsanzimfura, 41, and Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, 29, with 63 litres of Kanyanga trafficked Uganda. They were at the time transporting the banned crude gin to other sellers in Gatsibo.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) and partners increased awareness and operations against drug dealers to prevent new users and break chains of supply.