Rwanda National Police

A coordinated joint operation code named USALAMA XI-2025, conducted across the country has led to the seizure of assorted quantities of substandard, counterfeit and outlawed goods.

The five-day operations were conducted from October 13, by Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the City of Kigali, among others.

Usalama, meaning 'safety' in Swahili, is conducted periodically in Interpol member countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, to tackle serious and high-impact crimes.

During the operations, more than 19000 litres of substandard and counterfeit alcoholic beverages worth over Frw67 million, were seized.

Also seized are expired soft drinks and foods including spoiled and uninspected meat valued at over Frw36 million, as well as outlawed cosmetics, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and pharmaceuticals.

A number of factories producing substandard alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages operating illegally, were also closed and owners arrested. At least 72 people were arrested across the country, including 14 in City of Kigali.

In total, over Frw107 million in fines were imposed on companies and individuals involved in producing or selling substandard or counterfeit goods. 

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said the Police will continue collaborating with institutions and the public to fight such crimes. 

“We will keep working with partners and citizens to prevent and combat these offenses,” he said, adding that awareness campaigns will continue to educate the public on the dangers of producing and consuming such harmful products.

He further urged consumers to buy only from authorized outlets, noting that purchasing from approved sources makes it easier to trace illegal goods and hold offenders accountable.

One of the factories closed is Joyland company Ltd, producing Salama juice, operating in Mageragere, Nyarugenge District, which was found operating in deplorable hygienic conditions with its juice now deemed unsafe for consumption.

Dr. Thierry Murangira, the RIB spokesperson, said some individuals are under investigations for varied crimes, including production and sell of harmful products, and forgery.

Dr. Eric Nyirimigabo from FDA warned that substandard drinks, food, and medicines pose serious health risks. 

“These products can cause various diseases. People should avoid them to protect their health but also report those who produce or sell them,” he said.

Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Director of Communication and Education for the City of Kigali, called on local authorities to enforce hygiene standards. 

“As local leaders, we must monitor hygiene in all areas, including factories and production sites, and take the lead in ensuring cleanliness everywhere,” she said.

Inspection and operations will continue to enforce compliance and to eliminate unsafe and counterfeit goods from the market, and to apprehend all those involved in these unlawful acts.