Musanze authorities destroy 30,000 litres of ethanol, 4,000 cartons of illicit alcohol

By The Inspirer.

More than 30,000 litres of ethanol used to manufacture substandard alcoholic beverages and over 4,000 cartons of non-compliant drinks have been destroyed in Musanze District as authorities intensify efforts to curb illicit alcohol production.

The destruction took place on Monday, August 10, 2026, in Busogo Sector in a joint operation involving government authorities, security organs and local residents.

The operation was attended by Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, senior officials from the Rwanda Defence Force, Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Musanze District officials, the Director of Ruhengeri Referral Hospital and other public officials.

Governor Mugabowagahunde urged residents to reject substandard alcoholic beverages and report their production and distribution to authorities.

“Getting rid of these drinks means eliminating many of the risks associated with alcohol abuse, including family conflicts, violence, illness and poverty,” he said.

He called on residents to stop consuming the drinks and provide information about any remaining stocks so that authorities can seize and destroy them.

“We are confident that if people stop consuming these drinks, the problems they cause will decrease significantly, contributing to improved development and the well-being of residents,” Mugabowagahunde said.

Health officials have warned of serious consequences associated with consuming substandard alcoholic beverages.

Dr Philibert Muhire, Director of Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, urged residents to heed official warnings and avoid consuming products that have been declared unsafe.

“When people are warned, they should heed that warning because consuming a product that has been prohibited due to poor quality can have serious consequences, including death. Many people have already experienced health problems because of these poorly manufactured drinks,” he said.

Dr Muhire also warned that ethanol can cause severe damage to the body when improperly used or consumed at concentrations above recommended levels.

He urged residents to avoid alcoholic beverages that do not meet required health and quality standards.

The ethanol destroyed during the operation had been seized from factories inspected by authorities and found to be producing alcoholic beverages that failed to meet required standards. The affected facilities were subsequently closed.

Northern Province Police spokesperson CIP Ignace Ngirabakunzi said substandard alcoholic beverages pose not only a health threat but also a challenge to public safety, development and community well-being.

“These substandard alcoholic beverages are an obstacle to security, development and the well-being of citizens, and we should reject them,” he said.

Ngirabakunzi said areas where such drinks are widely consumed often experience increased alcohol abuse, which can contribute to family conflicts, violence and theft.

He urged residents to avoid the drinks and cooperate with authorities in efforts to eliminate their production and distribution.

“Everyone is urged to avoid consuming these drinks so that they can contribute to the stable security we should have,” he said.

RIB spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga and his Rwanda National Police counterpart previously said that the disposal of seized ethanol was being carried out with measures intended to minimise environmental risks.

They said the ethanol was diluted with water before disposal, following guidance that one litre of ethanol should be diluted with four litres of water.

The Musanze operation also involved the destruction of the seized substandard alcoholic beverages, as authorities continue efforts to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.