Rwanda National Police

Police and local authorities seized over 800 litres of locally made illicit substances in separate operations conducted in the Southern Province.

The operations conducted on October 20 are part of the ongoing joint efforts against illicit substances, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Southern Province, said.

"Three people running illegal distilleries that makes illicit brew were also arrested," CIP Karekezi said.

One of the distilleries was discovered in Nyagacyamo Village of Rwanza Cell, Save Sector in Gisagara District owned by one Vedaste Sibomana alias Mukiga, who is among those arrested. 

Over 400 litres of illicit brew were seized from Sibomana's house. 

Other 220 liters were impounded in Bazenga village also in Save Sector from one Bikorimana alias Budundu.

In Nyanza District, Nyagisozi Sector one Nicodem Rwabigwi was found with 40 liters. 

In the same operation, 200 other litres were seized in Simbi Sector, Kabusanza cell in Kigarama village.

This comes amid continued crackdown on illegal distilleries and drug traffickers to foil chains of supply. 

"Due to increased community awareness against substances we are seeing increased reports from the public on suspected drug dealers; that's how were also able to identity these three people and to destroy their distilleries," the spokesperson said.

He called for increased information sharing on drug dealers and wrongdoers in general.