Residents of Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts in Rwanda have adapted to a routine of load shedding, with electricity switched off from 7PM to 9PM sharp. During this time, shops close and residents retreat into their homes, but a few people remain at the trading centre. A convoy of motorcycles loaded with bags of sachet alcohol approaches at high speed, delivering to clients. This has become a common routine, with the sector night guards acknowledging awareness of the motorcycle convoy of smugglers.
The supply of sachet alcohol has increased significantly, becoming a major employer with vendors available to clients at short notice. Before the government banned locally produced spirit alcoholic drinks in Rwanda, one sachet would cost Rwf500, but now three sachets cost Rwf1000. Empty sachets are littered everywhere, and day schooling students and pupils can easily access the sachet alcohol. A distributor, Kazungu Derrick, was recently arrested with sachets in a 150kg bag.
The sector guards asked Kazungu to choose between foregoing the bag or being taken into sector custody, and he let go of the bag of sachets. He told Taarifa that the seized sachets are often sold to bar owners at very low prices. Engaging with village authorities, Taarifa noticed that most of them also consume sachet alcohol and locally brewed banana wine. Deliveries of adulterated banana wine are done during night hours, and the selling is cunningly done.
A client may order an authorized brand such as Mutzig, Primus, or Skol, but the seller pours the wine into the bottle, making it appear as though the client is drinking beer. However, when the client gets drunk, they reveal they are taking banned alcohol. Smuggling from Burundi has been on the rise, with Burundi's cheap alcoholic products being served in Rwandan border districts. Burundi's alcoholic beverages are crude and claimed to be laced with concoctions, including marijuana, Viagra, and other herbs.
The Uganda government recently banned a controversial alcoholic product imported from Burundi, found to contain Viagra additives. In Rwanda, Susuruka fortified banana wine with 16%alc/vol is smuggled from Burundi and available in districts along the border. Mukansabimana Solange told Taarifa that residents now have a replacement for the recently banned locally produced products, and that alcoholic products are smuggled from Burundi at night.
In the first week of September, Ndatemwa cell Executive summoned village leaders, warning them against shielding and distributing seized sachets of alcohol instead of arresting perpetrators. Rwanda National Police are using social media to warn against cross-border smugglers, with ACP Boniface Rutikanga warning that those involved will be arrested and prosecuted. Some people were recently apprehended attempting to distill local gin in Gikomero, Rusororo of Gasabo district.
ACP Rutikanga said that some people hide banned alcohol products and still sell them, prioritizing profits over people's health and lives. The police are working to combat the smuggling of banned alcohol, but the challenge persists. The situation highlights the difficulties in enforcing bans on certain products and the creative ways people find to circumvent the law.
Key points
- - Smuggled alcohol from Burundi has become increasingly available in Rwandan border districts. - The supply of sachet alcohol has increased significantly, becoming a major employer. - The police are using social media to warn against cross-border smugglers and are working to combat the smuggling of banned alcohol.
