Police destroy illicit brew worth Rwf2m

Police in Gicumbi District, yesterday, destroyed an assortment of illegal local brew which was confiscated from smugglers worth over Rwf2.3 million. Police said the items were impounded from various sectors of Cyumba, Kaniga, Manyagiro and Rubaya near the border posts, after being smuggled from Uganda through illegal entry points between September and December. The liquor, branded under different names included 1356 litres of crude waragi (Kanyanga) and 67 packets of Chief and Suzi waragi. Over 12 kilogrammes of Marijuana were also confiscated. Gicumbi District Police Commander, Evereste Gatera, says police no longer burns confiscated illicit brew; it instead pours it in the holes in the ground because when burnt they cause harm to the environment. Addressing residents who turned up to witness the destruction exercise in Byumba Sector, Gatera urged them to always report dealers in illegal brew and drugs immediately they discover them. “These banned alcoholic drinks are harmful to human health and have attributed to a high rate of crime which is why you should cooperate with security organs to apprehend those people who smuggle them into the country,” said Gashiramanga. He warned local leaders against conniving with the smugglers of the illegal brew. Gatera reminded local leaders to play a key role in sensitising residents to desist from consuming illegal brew, which he said poses a major security threat. According to security organs, the majority of domestic violence cases reported are attributed to consumption of these illicit alcoholic drinks. In a related development, six residents suspected in smuggling of banned brew were apprehended and are in police custody. The district police said that the suspects will be arraigned in courts. fred.ndoli@newtimes.co.rw