Authorities in Kigali have destroyed more than 470,000 litres of ethanol suspected of being used in the production of substandard alcoholic beverages, as Rwanda intensifies efforts to combat unsafe alcohol consumption.
The ethanol was seized during joint operations conducted by the Rwanda National Police and other authorities as part of a nationwide campaign against illegal and non-compliant alcoholic products.
The substance was disposed of at Nduba landfill to prevent it from returning to the market and being used to manufacture drinks that could endanger public health.
Police said unsafe alcoholic beverages have contributed not only to health risks but also to security challenges, including cases of violence, injuries and other crimes linked to excessive alcohol consumption.
During the destruction exercise, Kigali City Police spokesperson CIP Wellars Gahonzire urged residents to support the fight by reporting individuals involved in the production, storage or distribution of illicit alcohol.
He warned those who continue to hide such products, saying that anyone found facilitating the illegal trade would face legal action.
The crackdown follows recent measures by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), which suspended all permits for importing ethanol, also known as neutral spirit, and stopped processing new applications for its importation in an effort to control the production of unsafe alcoholic beverages.
