Police arrest nine illicit brew distillers in Rwamagana

Police on Friday arrested nine men in Rwamagana District, who are said to have been distilling and distributing an illegal gin commonly known as kanyanga and other illicit liquors.

Monday, October 07, 2013

Police on Friday arrested nine men in Rwamagana District, who are said to have been distilling and distributing an illegal gin commonly known as kanyanga and other illicit liquors.The suspects were arrested in Rubona Sector, Mabare Cell in Bwiza Village following a tip-off from area residents.  They were found with 280 litres of kanyanga and 720 litres of other various illicit brew. They are currently detained at Nzige police station.The District Police Commander, Superintendent Richard Rubagumya thanked those who provided police with the information regarding the illegal acts, and warned those still involved in such crimes, to refrain before they are arrested.He said the suspects will be charged under articles 594 and 598 of the penal code.Article 598 stipulates that, any person who manufactures, sells, prescribes a drug, harmful products, cosmetics or body hygiene and other herbal substances prohibited in healing practice, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of Rwf1 million to Rwf5 million or one of these penalties.Under article 594, any person who unlawfully makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic  drugs within the country, is liable to a term of  imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of Rwf500, 000 to Rwf5 million.