Rwanda: 50 in Custody Over Illicit Alcohol Production, Distribution
[New Times] At least 50 people have been arrested over the production and distribution of illicit alcohol as the government intensifies a nationwide crackdown on illegal manufacturers linked to dangerous alcoholic beverages.
At least 50 individuals have been apprehended for producing and distributing illicit alcohol in Rwanda, as authorities intensify a nationwide campaign against illegal manufacturers linked to dangerous beverages. Peter Karake, Director General for Crime Intelligence and Counter Terrorism at Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), announced ongoing investigations and an ongoing search for additional suspects.
Karake emphasized that the production and sale of illicit alcohol is illegal and poses significant health risks. The arrests come after Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) closed eight distilleries and ordered the recall of all their products from the market. Investigations revealed widespread violations, including unauthorized production, use of prohibited chemicals, and operation of concealed sites to evade inspections.
Some manufacturers used expired licences or mixed industrial chemicals not authorized for alcoholic beverages. The crackdown has led to the closure of over 90 production facilities recently, along with others previously shut down. Officials estimate that Rwanda has more than 200 distilleries. Methanol, a highly toxic chemical, has been identified, causing blindness in over 100 people previously.
Illicit alcohol is linked to crimes like assault, domestic violence, and road traffic crashes, with authorities urging the public to report illegal manufacturers. The government warns that manufacturing or distributing illicit alcohol can result in a three to five-year prison sentence and a fine of Rwf3-5 million.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
