On Monday, October 31, Police and local leaders in Nyarugenge District seized 1680 litres of illicit brew from a producer in Kigali Sector.
The psychotropic drinks commonly known as Ibikwangari, were recovered from the home of one Dany Irihamye alias Kazungu, 34, of Nyabikoni Village in Nyabugogo Cell, where he was operating an illegal production plant.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali said that Irihamye was reported by the local residents.
“Residents raised concern of Irihamye, who was producing illicit brew. They also suspected a group of young people that converge at his home to drink the substances, to be behind series of theft, beating people at night and other criminal acts,” CIP Twajamahoro said.
In response, he added, Police and local authorities found five drums full of Ibikwangari drink at Irihamye’s home. Irihamye fled and is still in hiding.
Last week, Police and FDA seized over 3500 litres of Huguka illicit brew and close to 1000 litres of Agasusuruko brew, from store in Nyabugogo and at his plant of the producer in Jabana, Gasabo District. Two people were arrested in the process.
Alcoholic drinks produced without complying with standards and other laws are considered as simple narcotic drugs.
Article 263 of the law determing offences and penalties in general states that; any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than seven years and not more than ten years and a fine of not less than Frw5 million and less than Frw10 million in regard to “simple narcotics.” (End).