Rwanda National Police

Three people, who were producing and supplying Kanyanga, an illicit gin, were arrested in separate security operations conducted in the sectors of Ndera and Rusororo in Gasabo District, on Friday, February 17.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali said that of the suspects were caught in the act producing the illicit gin.

"The suspects include a man and his wife, who were found producing Kanyanga at their home in Jurwe village, Mukuyu cell of Ndera sector. They had already produced 10 litres of Kanyanga, which were also seized," CIP Twajamahoro said.

"Other 43 litres were recovered in a house located in Samuduha village, Mbandazi cell in Rusororo Sector, where they were produced. The producers fled during the operations," he added.

Also arrested is a woman of Samuduha village, who was also producing Kanyanga. "She disposed of some quantities of Kanyanga which she had produced, after seeing security organs."

Police also seized 1350 litres of sugarcane residues, which the suspects were using to produce the illicit gin.

CIP Twajamahoro thanked residents, who reported the criminal acts.

"Kanyanga was banned in Rwanda and anyone producing or selling it will be arrested to face the law," he warned.

 Kanyanga is classified as simple narcotic drugs by the Ministerial order Nº 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorisation.  

Article 263 of law No. 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.

Upon conviction for "simple drugs" the offender faces between seven and ten years in prison and a fine of Frw5 million to Frw10 million.