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Kinyarwanda
Police in Ngoma have arrested a 25 year old woman suspected of distilling and selling a banned gin locally called "Kanyanga", as Police continues to carry out countrywide campaigns against such dangerous products.
Kanyanga is one of illicit gin types tagged as psychotropic substances and banned in Rwanda.
The suspect, Zerida Mukundehe, a resident of Mutenderi Sector, Nyagasozi Cell was arrested in the morning hours of April 22, when a police search in her house led to the discovery of 25 liters of Kanyanga and equipment used in its distillation.
Her arrest was enabled by a tip off by an informant resident, who triggered investigations after alerting Police about the suspect's activities, according to Eastern Region Police Spokesperson, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi.
"Police will continue its operations against illicit brew and narcotics and ensure that their trade and consumption in society is stopped. There is a clear correlation between drug abuse and criminality; so it is our mandate to ensure that we protect society against such," he said.
"We are grateful to responsible members of society who provide us with timely alerts about criminal activities, which have enabled successful operations against illicit brew and narcotics. Through this strong partnership, our combined efforts will safeguard our communities and protect especially the young people against these dangerous substances."
Police is also in search of another suspect identified as Justin Majyambere, who fled the scene during the police raid in Ngoma. He is believed to have been operating with the arrested suspect in the production and sell of Kanyanga.
Article 594 of the Rwandan Penal Code stipulates 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 to Rwf5million.
