A trader in Byumba, Gicumbi District, has voluntarily handed over 870 cartons of illicit drinks worth more than Rwf30 million to authorities as the district steps up efforts to eliminate prohibited beverages from the market.
The drinks were destroyed publicly on Saturday, August 29, following the monthly Umuganda in an exercise attended by security officials and youth volunteers.
The trader had reportedly kept the stock in hiding before deciding to surrender it voluntarily amid intensified efforts by authorities to crack down on illicit beverages.
After receiving the drinks, authorities destroyed the entire stock to prevent it from reaching consumers.
Gicumbi District officials said the voluntary surrender was an indication of the growing pressure on traders dealing in prohibited beverages, as enforcement efforts continue across the district.
The district said it would maintain the crackdown and public awareness campaigns aimed at eliminating illicit drinks from communities.
The destruction took place under the district’s “Hehe Nicyuma” campaign, which seeks to mobilise residents against illicit drinks and other products considered harmful to public health and safety.
Authorities urged residents and traders to support the campaign by cooperating with law enforcement and putting public health and safety ahead of commercial interests.
The latest operation comes amid wider efforts across Rwanda to remove prohibited and substandard beverages from circulation.
