RWAMAGANA - Police in Rwamagana district, on Thursday, burnt several packets of banned alcohol which was impounded from dealers in the district.

According to the Police, the alcohol under various brand names like Suzy and Obama is smuggled into the country from Uganda and Burundi.

"Traders motivated by the huge profits made from this type of alcohol, just like ‘Kanyanga’ use all means to get it in the country. They could be using the porous borders,” Police said.

The Rwamagana area prosecutor, Ellen Mukeshimana, said the fight against the illegal alcohol is hindered by the lack of stringent laws.

"Article 272-273 of the Penal Code is clear on local brew known as Kanyanga. A culprit faces a maximum of 5 years in jail. But on these other types, what we do is to only destroy it to discourage dealers,” she said.

Richard Habiyakare, one of the residents who witnessed the burning, said the law should be clear, on the type of alcohol accepted in the region.

"We are members of the East African Community…it is high time we harmonised quality assurance,” he said.

Crimes committed in most parts of the Eastern Province have been blamed on drug and alcohol abuse.

Ends