Security operatives in Ruhango District yesterday discovered two plants distilling illicit liquor (Kanyanga) and arrested eight people.

The distilleries were unearthed in an operation conducted at about 5am in Bunyongombe Cell, Rurima Sector, following a tip-off by residents.

One of the plants is said to be owned by a village leader of Murehe, who is among those arrested. 

The suspects are being held at Nyamagana Police Station.

Also confiscated are 40 litres of kanyanga, seven drums and six jerrycans.

Another plant was recovered in a house of a one Sengimana, who was arrested with two others.

Also recovered was over 1,000 litres of illicit local brew, locally called ibikwangari, which is used to distill kanyanga.

Kanyanga and a couple of other local gins are illegal.

Hubert Gashagaza, the Southern Region Police spokesperson, said the vice is on the decrease in the region, but warned that Police will not tire from hunting down those still involved in the practice.