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Kinyarwanda
Police in conjunction with local authorities and administrative security personnel (DASSO) in Gisagara District apprehended ten people, on Wednesday, after they were found either distilling or selling illicit brew locally known as Nyirantare.
They were arrested in separate operations conducted in Save and Kigembe sectors.
About 1885 liters of the illicit substances were also seized from the suspects, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said.
CIP Karekezi said this is part of the ongoing operations to destroy illegal distilleries that make illicit substances, and to arrest suspected dealers.
"Like most other operations, local leaders and residents reported the illegal dealings of the suspects and behaviors of consumers of the toxic drink, which informed the successful operation," the spokesperson said.
He hailed the role of residents in reporting distillers and drug dealers.
All drinks with alcoholic content exceeding 45 per cent as well as all those without the standard mark (S-Mark) issued by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) are classified as narcotics.
CIP Karekezi warned distillers of illicit drinks that they will be arrested.
In a community meeting held shortly after disposing of the illicit brew, residents recounted how people who consume these substances cause insecurity including fighting, men assaulting their spouses while the young people find themselves influenced into theft.
CIP Karekezi advised distillers to seeks services of Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) to ensure that their drinks are at the required standard "instead of poisoning people."
Meanwhile, a similar operation was conducted in Kirehe District where over 400 liters of another concocted drink known as Inkanika was seized in Nyarubuye Sector.
