Rwanda National Police

Police in Rwamagana District has cautioned people with illegal distilleries and making illicit substances warning of “strengthened operations” against the criminal acts.

The reaction follows several operations in the recent past where a number of distilleries making illicit brew have been destroyed, substances disposed of, and owners arrested.

In the latest operations conducted on September 30, Police destroyed about 450 liters of illicit brew, which were seized from an illegal distillery in Karenge sector owned by one Jean Marie Vianey Mugiraneza.

The District Police Commander, Supt. James Rutaremara said the “operations are continuous” and called upon the residents to “give no room for people that poison them with psychotropic substances” by reporting dealers.

“We have put much effort in awareness and operations against illicit drugs. In the last one week alone we have seized over 4200 litres of illicit brew in the sectors of Karenge, Gishali, Mwurire and Nyakariro,” Supt. Rutaremara said while addressing residents of Karenge after disposing of some of the substances.

“If your neighbor is making or selling narcotic drugs, know that you are the immediate victim. Your husband, wife or children will start using these substances; people will start fighting in the next house and drug addicts will start breaking into homes to steal,” Supt. Rutaremara said.

The DPC, however, commended the role of community night patrols, local leaders and the residents for being at the forefront in this cause, and called for continued information sharing on dealers.