Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested 80 suspects, including public servants, over alleged involvement in the production and distribution of illicit alcoholic beverages as a nationwide crackdown intensifies. The suspects were arrested across the country in an operation that started on July 20, RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira said. Speaking at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Murangira said RIB had arrested 80 suspect including 16 suspects who were arrested in Kigali. “Those arrested over the past days are in five categories. There are public servants involved in standards and certification of affected products, owners of companies which were involved in illicit alcoholic beverages production and distribution, employees who worked in those companies, local leaders as well as other individuals who had no businesses but were involved in the trade of the affected illicit alcoholic beverages,” he said. He added that investigations were still ongoing and warned that the number of suspects could increase as investigators continue to establish the full network behind the production and distribution of the beverages. The arrests are part of a wider crackdown on illicit alcoholic beverages, which authorities have described as a serious public health threat. More than 130 manufacturers shut down The crackdown has already resulted in the closure of more than 130 facilities involved in the manufacture of illicit alcoholic beverages, according to figures from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA). Authorities have in recent weeks stepped up inspections, recalls and enforcement measures against manufacturers, distributors and retailers suspected of producing or selling non-compliant alcoholic products. The government has also warned that individuals and businesses found violating the directives will face legal action. The crackdown follows growing concern over the health consequences associated with the consumption of illicit alcoholic beverages. The Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana previously said more than 50 people had died and over 100 others had lost their sight after consuming illicit alcoholic beverages. More than 500 people had also sought medical treatment, he said. The issue has also raised concern over the impact of illicit alcohol on young people. The Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana said illicit alcoholic beverages were a leading factor among young people taken to rehabilitation centres, with more than 95 per cent of those admitted having consumed illicit alcoholic beverages.
