English
Kinyarwanda
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has warned against keeping, selling or consuming illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages, as nationwide enforcement operations continue to remove prohibited products from communities.
The warning was issued on Wednesday, August 12, during an exercise to destroy illicit alcoholic beverages seized from industries and points of sale across Kigali. The exercise is part of a nationwide campaign targeting the production, distribution, sale and consumption of prohibited alcoholic beverages.
The products include illicit spirits locally known as ibyuma, substandard imported alcoholic beverages and other products made through unauthorised or improper processes.
RNP spokesperson for the Central Region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Wellars Gahonzire, said some people continue to keep the prohibited beverages in homes, shops and warehouses despite ongoing enforcement.
“We urge anyone who has such beverages in their possession to hand them over for destruction and provide information on where prohibited products are being kept. We are still finding them hidden in different places, and we will not let it continue,” CIP Gahonzire said.
He also warned against turning homes and other premises into makeshift bars for selling illicit brews or serving them during social gatherings.
“Those who keep these prohibited beverages, turn their homes into bars or sell them will be held accountable,” he said.
As of August 11, enforcement operations in the three districts of Kigali City had resulted in the destruction of 553,920 litres of ethanol and methanol out of 653,626 litres seized, as well as 15,348 litres of traditional illicit brews. District storage facilities were also holding 164,792 cartons and 146,362 bottles of illicit bottled alcoholic beverages, including substandard imports, awaiting destruction.
The nationwide campaign continues to target the production, distribution, sale and consumption of illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages.
RNP urges the public to report people involved in these activities and surrender any prohibited products in their possession to support enforcement efforts and protect communities from the risks associated with illicit and substandard alcohol.
