As part of efforts to protect public health and combat products that may endanger people’s lives, the Rwanda National Police in Nyamagabe District, in collaboration with the leadership of Gasaka Sector, on May 28, 2026, destroyed large quantities of substandard beverages that had been seized in Nyabivumu Cell.
The operation was carried out during an inspection targeting small-scale businesses and informal beverage production activities suspected of manufacturing drinks that do not meet required quality standards. Authorities discovered a large quantity of illegal beverages in a building that had reportedly been presented as a maize flour processing site.
More than 20,000 liters of the beverages were confiscated and later disposed of at the Nyamagabe District dumpsite located in Nyabivumu Cell.
Residents of the area said the drinks had already started causing concern due to the secretive manner in which they were being produced and the potential health risks they posed to consumers.
Claudine Mukandayisenga, a resident of Gasaka Sector, said the community appreciates the efforts by the Police and local authorities to prevent harmful products from reaching the public.
“There were times when people who consumed these drinks experienced stomach problems and extreme weakness. We thank the security organs for taking action because the health of citizens must come first,” she said.
Another resident, Nshimiyimana Jean de Dieu, said those involved in such illegal activities prioritize profits over people’s lives.
“It is unfortunate that someone can knowingly produce products that may harm others. We ask that those responsible be punished so that it serves as a lesson to others,” he said.
SSP Mathias Muhire, the Commander of Police in Nyamagabe District, said that combating substandard and illegal products remains an ongoing priority aimed at protecting the public.
“Complying with regulations governing product quality is everyone’s responsibility. We urge business operators to engage only in legal activities that safeguard the health of citizens. We also encourage residents to continue providing timely information whenever they notice activities that could endanger public safety and health,” he said.
He added that the Police will not tolerate anyone involved in activities that threaten the safety and wellbeing of citizens, emphasizing that cooperation between security organs and the public continues to play a key role in preventing crime and illegal practices.
Residents of Nyamagabe District say such operations should continue across the country to completely eliminate dangerous beverages and other harmful products from the market.
