Authorities in Eastern Province have sanctioned 108 public servants and destroyed nearly 720,000 litres of alcoholic beverages amid a crackdown on illegal production and distribution.

Pudence Rubingisa, Governor of Eastern Province governor, described illicit alcohol as a "epidemic," warning that many of the drinks are mixed with hazardous chemicals that put consumers' lives at risk.

"We have conducted several operations targeting illicit alcohol production, and some local leaders have also been implicated," he said.

"So far, 108 officials from different institutions have been identified for selling illicit alcohol or neglecting their responsibilities until residents' health was put at risk. They are being held accountable, and the exercise is continuing," Rubingisa said.

The governor said those sanctioned include village leaders, cell executive secretaries, cell council leaders, teachers and other public servants. Some have been dismissed, while others are facing disciplinary action for participating in the illegal production and distribution or failing to stop it.

The measures were announced on August 5 at a Provincial Coordination Meeting, which discussed efforts to eradicate substandard alcoholic beverages, among other issues.

Authorities noted that they have so far seized and destroyed 719,962 litres of illicit alcohol and arrested 2,925 people for producing and selling the illegal drinks.

The Ministry of Health said at least 50 people have died since the beginning of 2026 due to consumption of illicit alcohol. 100 others lost sight and as at least 500 more had health complications. In Bugesera District alone, at least 18 people died.

"It is our duty as leaders to identify illegal breweries, shut down unlicensed operations and work with communities to trace offenders before more lives are endangered," the governor told local leaders.

"You know your areas of responsibility very well. How can an illegal factory start operation without your knowledge?"

Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority has closed more than 140 companies over production of illicit alcohol and ordered the recall of hundreds of alcohol brands.

The crackdown on illicit alcohol also comes as consumption continues to rise nationwide. A Rwanda Biomedical Center survey found that alcohol consumption increased from 41 percent in 2013 to 48 percent in 2022, a trend health experts warn could expose more people to dangerous brews if illegal production is not curbed.