NORTHERN PROVINCE

Police in Gakenke district on Thursday impounded over 1500 sachets of local brew commonly called chief waragi and arrested two culprits who were transporting it in a pickup truck.

The culprits were identified as Aloys Bagwaneza, the driver and Claude Ndikumana, turn-boy, currently detained at the Muhoza Police station, in Musanze. According to Police, the duo had disguised the liquor as Irish potatoes, heading to Kigali from Kidaho in Burera district.

Meanwhile, police in Burera last week arrested 12 people who included three women over the same crime. They were taken to court and fined over Rwf1m. At least three vehicles were also seized that were transporting the gin.

Police, say over 1788 litres of local brew locally known as Kanyanga and 1850 litres of chief waragi were impounded and burnt within the last two months. The local authorities have always issued stern warning to those involved in liquor trafficking.

Police attributes the rising cases of illicit products to the upcoming festive season during which consumption is higher. The gin which is reportedly being trafficked from local brewing industries in Kisoro, Uganda, enters the country through Butaro in Burera district.

It has been blamed for the rising crimes including domestic violence and rape.

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