Rwanda has closed 90 factories producing substandard alcoholic beverages and arrested 50 people as part of a nationwide crackdown on unsafe drinks that have raised public health concerns.
Peter Karake, Director General in charge of combating terrorism and cyber-related crimes at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), said the arrests followed investigations into manufacturers and distributors involved in producing and supplying alcoholic beverages that do not meet required safety standards.
Speaking to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Karake warned that distributing unsafe products is a criminal offence that can have serious consequences, including loss of life.
“When someone distributes products that do not meet safety standards and they result in unexpected deaths, it becomes a criminal matter. Those responsible will be prosecuted,” he said.
He added that the offence carries a sentence of between three and five years in prison, noting that investigations are continuing as authorities pursue additional suspects.
“We have arrested around 50 people, while others who are hiding or have fled are still being searched for,” Karake said.
The operation targeted more than 207 alcohol manufacturing facilities across the country, with 90 factories shut down. Some of the facilities had already been suspended before the latest investigation after authorities identified growing risks associated with the consumption of unsafe alcoholic beverages.
Authorities also seized and destroyed illegal alcoholic products valued at more than Rwf716 million, while individuals found responsible were fined more than Rwf314 million.
The crackdown follows increased government efforts to protect consumers from harmful alcoholic products after health authorities reported cases of serious illness, permanent disabilities and deaths linked to the consumption of substandard drinks.
