Over 20,200  litres of assorted illicit and substandard drinks seized from producers and local bars in Kirehe District, were disposed of on Monday, January 3.

They were seized in separate Rwanda National Police (RNP) operations in partnership with local leaders and residents, conducted in the last four months.

The psychotropic drinks valued at over Frw2 million include Gubwa neza, Bonne chance, Ubuzima ntabwo, Imanzi, Gikundiro Tangawizi and Isano Ginger Drink.

The drinks were produced without approval from Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) and used prohibited and harmful ingredients.

Article 5 of the Ministerial order Nº 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation classifies alcoholic drinks produced without complying with standards and other laws; on the list of simple narcotic drugs.

Article 263 of law No. 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than seven years and not more than ten years and a fine of not less than Frw5 million and less than Frw10 million in regard to “simple narcotics.”

The public destruction exercise was held in BwizaVillage, Nyabikokora Cell of Kirehe Sector after a communal work commonly known as ‘Umuganda’ conducted in partnership with members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Community Policing (RYVCP) from Kirehe and Kigina sectors.

Over 7,000 trees were planted around Kirehe District headquarters as part of the national environmental protection programme.

Bruno Rangira, the Mayor for Kirehe District embarked on the ill-effects of outlawed and substandard drinks to health and security.

He urged the residents to support security efforts against illegal production sites and bars selling illicit drinks.

“You have heard of the ill-effects of drinking illicit brew, including loss of lives. Everyone has the responsibility to fight these drinks by reporting producers and bars selling them,” said Mayor Rangira.

The District Police Commander (DPC) for Kirehe, Superintendent of Police (SP) Jean Berchmas Dusengimana, urged the public to refrain from drinking such harmful drinks and report.

“The illicit drinks destroyed today were seized in separate operations conducted within four months from 15 dealers,” the DPC said.

The DPC thanked members of youth volunteers for their participation in security and development activities, including raising awareness and fighting the spread of Covid-19.