Over 70,000 litres of illicit brew destroyed in Bugesera

Authorities in Bugesera District have intensified a crackdown on illegal production of alcoholic drinks, destroying more than 74,000 litres in one day. ALSO READ: Deadly cocktails: Inside Rwanda’s crackdown on toxic homemade brews The destruction alcoholic beverages, held on November 15 across several sectors, is part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal production of drinks, which standards authorities say are harmful. The exercise, conducted by district leaders, the Rwanda National Police, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and local residents, targeted factories operating in Nyarugenge and Nyamata sectors, where large volumes of had been produced for years. These illicit drinks were seized from two factories. 60,000 litres were branded as “Isano” and “Agasembuye,” brewed by Dusangire Production in Nyarugenge Sector, while over 14,000 litres were branded as “Indege,” were produced by EKAM Ltd in Nyamata Sector. ALSO READ: Narcotics and illicit brew worth Rwf19m destroyed The destruction of the brews was followed by a community outreach session in which residents were briefed on the health risks associated with drinking unregulated beverages. Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi told residents the operation sought to safeguard public health and uphold security. “This is a campaign we must continue with determination. Eliminating substandard alcoholic drinks is about protecting our people and preventing crime,” Mutabazi said. “We appreciate the security agencies that helped uncover these factories, and we encourage residents to keep reporting any suspicious activities.” ALSO READ: Western Province: Police step up efforts to curb illicit brew from DR Congo Mutabazi also urged factory owners and traders to comply with safety standards, stressing that informal or unregulated production puts communities at risk. “Follow the law, report unsafe products, and avoid consuming drinks whose origins you cannot verify,” he said. The officials said inspections will intensify across the district as part of a broader national effort to end the production and distribution of hazardous brews. Under the 2018 law, producing, selling, distributing or importing foods or drinks that fail to meet safety standards constitutes a criminal offence, with penalties including closure of facilities and seizure of assets. ALSO READ: 67 arrested over substandard goods, six factories closed Health experts have also raised the alarm Health officials have warned that consumption of these drinks, often brewed with unpurified ethanol, exposes drinkers to severe long-term complications, including esophageal, gastric and liver cancers, as well as chronic liver disease, heart complications and mental health disorders. According to the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), ongoing crackdown combines market inspections, factory raids and community reporting systems. Seized products are publicly destroyed, while operators face criminal action. The authorities have also tightened cross-border surveillance to curb the flow of industrial chemicals that fuel the production of illicit alcohol.

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Over 70,000 litres of illicit brew destroyed in Bugesera