Police in Burera District have arrested four men suspected of financing and organising the smuggling of illicit locally distilled alcohol, known as kanyanga, from a neighbouring country into Rwanda.
The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Friday, October 9, following information provided by people previously apprehended while allegedly transporting the illicit alcohol through unofficial routes.
According to police, those arrested identified the four men, all residents of Nemba Sector in Burera District, as the people who had sent them to collect the alcohol.
Residents have said that people transporting kanyanga often work for individuals who finance the operations and direct them to bring the alcohol into the country.
Police have urged the public to report not only those transporting and distributing the illicit alcohol, but also those financing the activities and recruiting others to carry them out.
CIP Igance Ngirabakunzi, the Northern Province police spokesperson, thanked residents for providing information that has helped authorities arrest suspected smugglers and seize illicit substances.
“Some people are arrested carrying kanyanga, while other consignments are recovered from houses where they are hidden, thanks to information provided by residents. We appreciate their contribution,” he said.
He warned those who finance smuggling operations and send others to transport the alcohol that they would also be held accountable.
The Rwanda National Police has urged residents to avoid involvement in drug-related activities, warning that substance abuse can have consequences for individuals, families and society.
The four suspects are being held at Nemba Police Station as investigations continue.
Under Rwanda’s law, a person convicted of offences involving kanyanga may face a prison sentence of between seven and 10 years and a fine of between Rwf5 million and Rwf10 million.
