Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) is holding a 48 year-old woman suspected of trafficking banned gins, as the force continues to protect the country against illegal and dangerous consumables.

The suspect, Speciose Mukagasana, a resident of Jabana Sector, Gasabo District, was arrested on September 7 in Rukomo of Gicumbi District along Gatuna-Kigali highway.

At the time of her arrest, Mukagasana was found with 22 cartons of a banned gin called Sky Blue. She was at the time traveling in a private vehicle.

Health experts maintain that Sky Blue and other banned gins like Kanyanga, Chief Waragi contain dangerous substances and has adverse negative health implications to consumers.

The Commanding Officer of Revenue Protection Unit at RNP, CSP Jean Nepo Mbonyumuvunyi, narrated that the suspect had tried to escape arrest after she drove toward a murram road after seeing police officers.

“We received credible information that suspects were bringing in trafficked goods, so police laid a roadblock in the area. But as her vehicle approached, she suddenly turned and sped off on a nearby junction, but police pursued and arrested her,” CSP Mbonyumuvunyi said.

“When officers searched her vehicle, they discovered 22 cartons of Sky Blue. But we have since established that she was a multiple offender…t is not the first time she had been arrested committing the same offense,” he added.

According to CSP Mbonyumuvunyi, explained that the suspect had hired motorcyclists to survey and inform her if there are police officers along the road. He warned motorcyclists against involving and facilitating illegal and criminal activities.

He added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects that she is believed to be involved with in this illegal business.

He commended members of the public, who provided vital information that facilitated this operation.

“Such crimes undermine economic development plans; therefore, all Rwandans should work together with police to ensure that our communities are protected against all forms of crime,” CSP Mbonyumuvunyi added.

Article 594 of the Rwandan penal code also states that, any person who, unlawfully, makes, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine between Rwf500, 000 and Rwf5m.