Rwanda National Police

Intensified Police operations in the Northern region intercepted 365 litres of Kanyanga, a crude illicit gin, which was being sneaked into the country from the neighbouring Uganda.

The crude gin was seized Friday from traffickers in Burera and Gicumbi districts.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Police spokesperson of the Northern region, said that 160 litres were seized in Cyanika Sector in Burera from one Olivier Tuyihimbaze.

Other 205 litres were seized from traffickers in Rubaya and Kabare sectors of Gicumbi District.

“Police in Burera received information from residents that a group of 12 people were trafficking kanyanga from Uganda. In response, Police apprehended Tuyihimbaze although his accomplices managed to flee abandoning their illicit gin," CIP Rugigana said.

"In a similar operation conducted in Rubaya and Kabare sectors in Gicumbi, traffickers managed to flee abandoning their 205 litres of Kanyanga. With the help of residents, we got identities of the traffickers, who will be brought to justice," he added.

CIP Rugigana commended the responsiveness of the residents who provided information on the traffickers.

“The general public plays the biggest part in this effort. On many occasions, successful operations against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are facilitated by the people through instant information sharing, which informs our next course of action,” he said.

“Police have increased awareness campaigns, especially in border communities on their role in fighting drug trafficking; mapped-out major routes used and intensified operations – snap-checks and roadblocks.”

He said that fighting drug abuse remains part of the Rwanda National Police priorities through awareness, community policing and operations.

CIP Rugigana further urged those still engaged in these criminal businesses to invest their money in other legal ones.