The police has, for long, embarked on rigorous efforts to curb illicit drugs and alcohol that have led to crime across the country. The media continuously reports stories of the impounded drugs and alcohol which is destroyed in the public to discourage its trade. Dealing in the banned brew and drugs is considered lucrative, which is partly why some people continue to risk imprisonment by smuggling and selling the products clandestinely. Fighting the trade remains a challenge, and at times dangerous, as the dealers have set up a wide network, especially at the grassroots. In the local government circles, the story has been frustrating. Some grassroots leaders are struggling to keep a clean image against a tide of accusations of complicity in the illegal trade. Last year, in Kabarondo, Kayonza District, an operation to arrest Kanyanga brewers turned violent, as the dealers were armed and ready to fight off security forces. It was reported that most cells in Kabarondo sector were dealing in the illegal brew with the support of the local leaders. Crimes such as rape, defilement and domestic violence are among those that have gone up as a result of consumption of the brew. To bring such crimes to an end, it is imperative that the trade is urgently done away with.However, the task cannot be left to the Police alone. The community will need to be more involved and heavier punishments should be given to all those involved in the trade. There is no doubt that with tight vigilance across the whole business chain, the smuggling and trade in the illegal drugs and brew will be stopped.
