The suspects identified as Eric Murwanashyaka, 34, and D’Amour Niyitegeka were arrested in separate operations conducted in line with fighting trafficking, distilling and selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Niyitegeka was arrested in Masaka Sector in possession of 5,760 litres while Murwanashyaka was arrested in Muhima Sector in possession of 1,452 litres.
Chief Inspector of Police(CIP) Marie-Goretti Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the Central region, said that the duo had illegal distilleries in their homes producing the poisonous substances.
“We found 24 barrels and many bottles filled with illicit brews from Murwanashyaka’s home,” CIP Umutesi said.
Besides not having legal documents and mixing various undefined raw materials to make alcoholic drinks, she said that they were also working in a dirty and unhygienic place.
The spokesperson thanked the residents as the operations were successful due to their cooperation and sharing of information, and urged them to strength the proactive spirit.
The impounded illicit drinks were disposed of.
Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) specifies that “only food-grade processing aids recognized as safe for human consumption shall be used during the manufacture.”
All drinks with alcoholic content exceeding 45 percent as well as all those without the standard mark (S-Mark) issued by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) are classified as narcotics.
Article 263 of the new penal code partly states that “any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offence, with a sentence ranging from seven years to life in prison, upon conviction, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
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