Police in Burera District have arrested four men suspected of organising the illegal importation of kanyanga from Uganda and its transportation into Rwanda through unofficial routes.
Kanyanga is a crude, illicit gin prohibited in Rwanda. Rwanda National Police classifies it as a simple narcotic drug.
The suspects, who are from Nemba Sector, were arrested in the early hours of October 9, 2026. Police said the arrests followed information provided by people previously apprehended while transporting the drink. Those individuals reportedly identified the four men as the people who had instructed them to deliver it.
Some Burera residents say people transporting kanyanga often act on behalf of others who finance and organise the deliveries. They urged those involved in its transportation to disclose information about the people directing and financing the activity, so that all those involved can be held accountable.
CIP Igance Ngirabakunzi, Rwanda National Police spokesperson for the Northern Province, commended residents for providing information that assists police in arresting people involved in transporting, distributing and selling drugs. He warned that those who finance or recruit others to obtain kanyanga could also face arrest.
Police say kanyanga contributes to insecurity and other problems associated with alcohol abuse. The force urged residents to avoid involvement in drug-related activities.
Under Rwanda’s law on offences and penalties, a person convicted of an offence involving simple narcotics may be sentenced to between seven and 10 years in prison and fined at least Rwf5 million but less than Rwf10 million.
