Rutsiro District Destroys 17,000 Liters of Illicit Alcohol Brewed With Soap and Unsafe Chemicals

Authorities in Rutsiro District have destroyed more than 17,000 liters of illegally produced alcohol after an eight-day crackdown targeting unlicensed and substandard brewing operations. Officials say the largest share about 16,000 liters came from a locally made drink known as IFEZA, produced in Kivumu Sector. Inspections revealed the beverage was manufactured using pakimaya, a banned chemical that poses significant health risks.

Other products seized and destroyed included SUSURUKA and HUGUKA, which were found being brewed secretly in Murunda Sector using bar soap as a fermenting agent. The producer behind these drinks, Barakagendana Sylvestre, was discovered operating without a valid license, using unhygienic equipment and recycled plastic bottles previously used for juice. He was fined over Rwf 11 million for illegal production, poor sanitary conditions, and the use of prohibited substances.

During a November 16 inspection, authorities confiscated crates of alcohol, jerrycans, and packaging materials totaling more than 1,000 liters. Inspectors also reported severe hygiene violations and noted that Barakagendana falsely labeled his products as originating from Karongi District, despite operating in Rutsiro.

A separate inspection on November 8 in Kivumu Sector, Bunyunju Cell, Mpinga Village, uncovered similar violations at a legally registered IFEZA production facility. The plant was found breaching hygiene and safety regulations and was immediately shut down temporarily. All 16,000 liters of alcohol stored on-site both bottled and still in production were destroyed.

The owners were fined Rwf 1 million for exceeding the scope of their operating license and an additional Rwf 500,000 for unsanitary conditions and the use of unauthorized additives.

District officials say the enforcement operations are intended to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with national quality standards.

Rutsiro District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Uwizeyimana Emmanuel, stressed the importance of these inspections, warning anyone involved in clandestine brewing to stop before facing severe financial consequences. “When illegal products are seized and destroyed, both the producer and the country incur losses,” he said. “We urge those engaging in these activities to abandon them.”

Authorities say routine inspections will continue, citing the serious health risks associated with alcohol brewed using soap, banned chemicals, and other hazardous ingredients.