The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has warned people involved in the production and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages that investigations will continue, as authorities intensify a nationwide crackdown on products considered a threat to public health and safety.
The warning came on Saturday, August 8, when RIB and Rwanda National Police presented 16 suspects arrested in Kigali in connection with the production and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages.
RIB spokesperson Dr Thierry Murangira said financial gain could never justify putting people’s lives at risk, stressing that the ongoing operations are intended to protect the public.
“Nothing can replace human life. Everything being done is for the public good so that people’s health can continue to be protected,” Murangira said.
He said investigators would continue pursuing everyone involved in the production and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages to prevent individuals from exploiting gaps in enforcement for personal profit.
“The investigation into those involved in producing substandard alcoholic beverages will continue so that no one can hide in the gaps with the aim of making money while harming people’s health,” he said.
The arrests form part of a wider crackdown on unsafe alcoholic beverages that has seen numerous production facilities closed and dozens of suspects arrested across the country. Authorities have said the investigations are also targeting people involved in distributing products that fail to meet required safety standards.
Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga said the problem extends beyond the direct health risks associated with unsafe alcoholic beverages, arguing that alcohol abuse can also contribute to public disorder and social problems.
He said communities affected by excessive alcohol consumption often experience violence, assault and bodily harm, domestic conflicts and irresponsible use of household resources.
“Wherever they are, wherever they drink and wherever they pass, public peace is disrupted,” Rutikanga said.
He added that assault and bodily harm are among the most common consequences, followed by domestic conflicts that can escalate into more serious incidents.
Authorities have consequently described the fight against substandard alcoholic beverages as both a public health and public security priority.
The crackdown has included the closure of alcohol manufacturing facilities, arrests of people suspected of involvement in illicit production and the removal of unsafe products from the market. Rwanda FDA has also taken regulatory action against manufacturers found to have failed to meet required standards.
RIB said the suspects presented on Saturday are facing various charges linked to the production of substandard alcoholic beverages.
According to the agency, the offences carry different penalties, including prison sentences ranging from two to 25 years, depending on the nature of the offence, in addition to other penalties provided for under the law.
Murangira said investigations would continue as authorities seek to identify and prosecute all those involved in activities that put consumers’ lives at risk.
The latest action comes as Rwanda steps up enforcement against unsafe alcoholic products following reports of serious health consequences associated with some substandard drinks. Authorities have maintained that protecting human life must take precedence over commercial interests.
