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Kinyarwanda
Operations against the production and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages have intensified, as law enforcement agencies target activities suspected of putting public health, safety and community wellbeing at risk.
On Saturday, August 8, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) presented 16 suspects at RIB Headquarters in Kimihurura, Kigali, in connection with the operations. They include six industry owners and 10 employees from facilities that were closed over alleged violations related to the production of substandard alcoholic beverages in Kigali.
RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said consumption of substandard alcoholic beverages, particularly illicit spirits commonly known as “ibyuma”, is associated with behaviours that can undermine public order, including violence, assault, domestic conflicts and misuse of household resources.
He said law enforcement will continue taking action against those involved in the production and distribution of illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages, while warning that harmful use of legally produced alcohol is also a concern.
"We are determined to stop these illicit spirits known as ibyuma. Even those who consume legally produced alcoholic beverages but misuse them and cause problems in communities will not be spared. The law sets responsibilities that must be respected, and we will not tolerate harmful use of alcohol that causes problems in communities," ACP Rutikanga said.
RIB spokesperson, Dr Murangira Thierry, said investigations have identified alleged violations by some industries, including poor production practices, inadequate hygiene, improper packaging and storage, non-compliance with environmental regulations and the alleged deliberate production of substandard products for profit.
He said the suspects are being investigated for various alleged offences, including supplying products that may endanger human health, forgery, disobedience to lawful authority, tax evasion and other offences provided for under Rwandan law.
Dr Murangira said the enforcement measures are intended to protect public health and prevent the exploitation of loopholes to endanger people's lives and well-being.
"Nothing should be traded for people's lives. Our efforts are aimed at protecting the public and ensuring that no loophole is exploited to engage in activities that endanger people's health and wellbeing," he said.
Since the operations began on July 20, 80 suspects have been arrested countrywide. They include industry owners, employees allegedly involved in illicit production and public officials suspected of involvement in issuing licences. The operations are ongoing.
