Efforts to combat the production and distribution of substandard alcohol and beverages are ongoing in order to prevent activities that endanger people’s lives and undermine public safety and welfare.
On Saturday, August 8, Rwanda National Police, in collaboration with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), presented 16 people suspected of involvement in such activities at RIB headquarters in Kimihurura, Kigali City.
Factory Owners and Employees Arrested
Among them were six factory owners and ten employees from companies that had been closed due to violations related to the production of substandard alcohol in Kigali.
Rwanda Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that consuming substandard alcohol, especially those known as “ibyuma,” is linked to behavior that can disrupt peace and public security, including violence, assault, domestic conflicts, and misuse of family resources.
He said that Police and other law enforcement agencies will continue to take measures against those producing illegal or substandard alcohol, reminding that even excessive consumption of legally approved alcohol can have consequences for public safety.
He said: “Rwanda Police is ready to confront these dangerous drinks called ibyuma. Even those who drink legally approved alcohol but misuse it, causing problems among citizens, we will not tolerate them. The law sets obligations that must be respected, and we will not accept misuse of alcohol that causes problems in the community.”
RIB Details Suspected Violations
RIB spokesperson, Dr. Murangira Thierry, said investigations revealed suspected violations in some factories, including poor production practices, lack of hygiene, improper sealing and storage of products, failure to comply with environmental protection regulations, and deliberate production of substandard goods for profit.
He said suspects are being investigated for various crimes, including supplying harmful substances, producing and using forged documents, resisting authority, tax evasion, and other offenses under Rwandan law.
Protecting Public Health and Welfare
Dr. Murangira said the measures taken aim to protect citizens’ lives and prevent anyone from exploiting loopholes to engage in activities that endanger health and welfare.
He said: “Nothing should be traded for human life. Our efforts are aimed at protecting citizens and ensuring that no loophole is used in activities that undermine their health and welfare.”
80 Suspects Arrested Nationwide
Since these operations began on July 20, 2026, 80 people suspected of involvement have been arrested nationwide. Among them are factory owners, employees suspected of producing illegal alcohol, and government officials suspected of issuing licenses. Efforts to track suspects and fight the production and distribution of substandard beverages are ongoing.
