By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested 18 individuals suspected of crimes related to the manufacturing of substandard alcoholic beverages that impacted the public.
On Wednesday afternoon, a press conference was held at RIB headquarters, where the suspects accused of offenses linked to the production of substandard alcoholic drinks that affected citizens were presented.
Among those presented were officials from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), led by its Director General, Prof. Emile Bienvenu.
In total, 18 people were arrested: 10 from Rwanda FDA, 3 from the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), and 5 from local government authorities.
The officials from Rwanda FDA and RSB are under investigation for abusing their legally assigned authority for personal gain.
On the other hand, the local government officials are accused of complicity in administering a substance capable of causing death or severely damaging health.
RIB announced that since the operation to eradicate substandard alcoholic beverages began, it has received 91 case files related to the manufacturing of substandard alcohol that affected the public.
