Authorities in Rwamagana District have destroyed illicit liquor worth Rwf 16 million, after discovering that a local beverage factory had been producing drinks mixed with chili, tobacco, soap, and other harmful substances instead of bananas as indicated on the label.
The destruction exercise, conducted jointly by the district administration, security organs, and the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), took place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, following an inspection earlier this month that exposed the illegal operations of Agahebuzo Drinks Processing Ltd, located in Nsinda Cell, Muhazi Sector.
Factory Using Dangerous Ingredients
During the inspection carried out on November 4, officials were shocked to find that the supposed banana-based liquor was actually made from a disturbing mix of ingredients including ground chili, crushed tobacco leaves, industrial ethanol, soap, yeast, and synthetic flavors mimicking banana or pineapple aromas.
The plant was immediately shut down, with some of its workers arrested while others, including the owner of the factory, managed to flee.
Former Employee Reveals How the Scheme Began
A former worker at the factory told authorities that the company initially brewed banana-based liquor, but quickly switched to using chemicals after just three months. “When I first joined, we used real bananas and sugar to brew,” the worker said. “But after a few months, they stopped bringing bananas. They began mixing other things to make the drink taste similar to banana beer.”
Residents Shocked by the Discovery
Local residents expressed shock after learning that the popular beverage they had been consuming was made from toxic ingredients.
Gatera Célestin, a resident of Kibare Village, said the drink was widely consumed because it was cheap and made people intoxicated quickly. “We used to drink it often because it was strong,” he said. “But we never imagined it was made with tobacco and chili that’s frightening.”
Authorities Warn Against Unregulated Alcohol
Rwamagana District Mayor Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi urged the public to avoid consuming unregulated or unknown alcoholic drinks, warning that such products pose serious health risks. “People should only drink beverages that are certified and produced by approved manufacturers,” he said. “If they choose to brew locally, they must know exactly what ingredients they are using.”
The mayor reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from harmful and counterfeit alcoholic beverages, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in reporting illegal production sites.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
