The Rwanda National Police have destroyed more than 17,000 litres of substandard homemade alcohol and 89 litres of illicit gin known as Kanyanga following a five-day crackdown in the City of Kigali.
The operation, conducted from February 9 to 13 in collaboration with the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and local authorities, targeted the production and distribution of illegal brews across several sectors of the capital.
Police arrested 189 individuals allegedly involved in manufacturing the illicit drinks. Of these, 11 case files have been forwarded to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for further investigation and prosecution. The suspects face charges including forgery and the use of hazardous substances that endanger public health. Others were issued administrative fines and warned against resuming the illegal activities.
Police spokesperson for Kigali, CIP Wellars Gahonzire, said the drinks pose serious health risks.
“Some consumers lose their lives, while others suffer permanent complications such as blindness and other illnesses because these beverages are produced in unsanitary conditions,” he said, noting that some manufacturers use harmful materials including tobacco and molasses intended for animal feed.
Authorities also linked illicit alcohol to rising cases of public disorder, including assault and violent crime, often committed under intoxication.
The seized alcohol was publicly destroyed after residents were sensitized on its dangers. Police urged the public to report illegal production and warned offenders to seek lawful business activities as enforcement operations continue.
