Rwanda National Police

A joint Police and local authorities operation conducted on Monday in Rwamagana District destroyed illegal distillery that was making illicit substances.

At least 9,650 litters of illicit brew were seized from the factory in Karuyenzi Village of Bicaca Cell in Karenge Sector.

The seized substances were destroyed yesterday in presence of residents.

The District Police Commander, Supt. James Rutaremara, said the factory belonged to one Innocent Harerimana, who is still at large.

He added that the factory was not licensed by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) as a prerequisite.

The mayor of Rwamagana,

Rajab Mbonyumuvunyi, the Mayor of Rwamagana District, while addressing residents who turned up for the public destruction exercise, said the substances are normally manufactured after mixing a number of ingredients, which all have serious side effects to health.

Mbonyumuvunyi urged residents particular to shun drug abuse and join efforts to fight narcotic drugs, by reporting those suspected to be involved.

Meanwhile, the DPC said: “Such illicit substances pose a serious health threat to people, and that's why e regulatory body was put in place to ensure that standards are met,” Supt. Rutaremara said.

“Most of the security challenges we receive are related or fueled by these illicit drugs; assault, domestic and gender based violence, child abuse are mainly committed by drug abusers,” he added, while addressing the residents.

During the raid, Police found four people who were at the time distilling the illicit substances, who were also arrested.

He appealed to residents to protect their families and to ensure the security of their communities by reporting drug dealers.