HUYE – Police in Tumba Sector, Huye district are holding five people in connection with the sale of illegal brew locally known as Nyirantare.

Those detained include Jean Paul Ntirijyakure, Jean Baptiste Nshimiyimana, Valens Nzirorera, Celestin Niyomugabo and Emmanuel Nkurunziza all residents of the sector.

They were arrested during a security operation targeting drug abusers and dealers last week.

Upon arrest, the suspects feigned ignorance about the dangers of the illicit brew to consumers, blaming local authorities for not sensitizing them on the issue.

"Dealing in Nyirantare has been my core business, I did not know that it was banned in this area,” said Jean Paul Ntirijyakure, who was caught with 200 litres of the brew.

Alphonse Mutsindashyaka, the Executive Secretary of Tumba sector called for the cooperation of all sector residents in fighting the threat posed by the sell of illicit brew and general drug use.

Nyirantare was banned in the district last year after the realization that the brew had negative consequences on its consumers which included loss of consciousness.

The decision has however met stiff resistance from the local people because it is cheaper compared to bottled beer.

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