Six people have been arrested in Kigali’s Gasabo District after police seized more than 2,000 litres of illicit alcoholic beverages and cannabis in an operation targeting illegal production and trade.
The operation was conducted on September 13 in Jali Sector, Nkusi Cell, Kajevuba Village, following information provided by residents who reported the sale of illicit alcohol and drugs in an area known locally as Congo.
Residents told authorities that the activities were contributing to health and security problems in the area, including theft, assault and public disturbances involving people who became intoxicated.
Police, working with local authorities and residents, subsequently carried out an operation targeting suspected producers and dealers.
Among those arrested was a suspect found with two kilograms of cannabis, 100 litres of illicit urwagwa and 7.5 litres of kanyanga. Police said he had allegedly been producing the drinks in Rulindo District before moving the operation to Jali after learning that authorities were looking for him.
A 56-year-old man was also arrested with 120 litres of illicit ikigage and 60 litres of urwagwa.
Another suspect, aged 55, was arrested at a facility where he allegedly produced and supplied ikigage. Police seized 500 litres of the beverage, three cartons of Pakimaya, three cartons of Luvire and sugar allegedly used in the production process.
Two other suspects, aged 21 and 27, were arrested with 600 and 620 litres of illicit ikigage respectively.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of one and a half cartons containing 86 bottles of alcoholic drinks known as “ibyuma”, which had been withdrawn from the market, as well as five packs of prohibited plastic sachets.
A 60-year-old woman who was allegedly found with 15 litres of urwagwa escaped during the operation and remains wanted.
CIP Wellars Gahonzire, Rwanda National Police spokesperson in Kigali, commended residents for providing information that led to the operation.
He warned people against producing and selling illicit alcoholic beverages and drugs, saying such activities pose a threat to public health and safety.
Police urged residents to report the production and sale of illicit alcohol and drugs, including kanyanga and cannabis, as enforcement operations against the activities continue.
The six suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue before they are handed over to the relevant authorities.
