Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) John Niyibizi, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Huye, said that Ntahomvukiye was arrested at his home where he was, at the time, distilling illicit brew locally known as Ibikwangari.

"We had information from residents of Gishamvu about two people in their area, who had ventured in producing illicit drinks, specifically ibikwangari and Kanyana," SSP Niyibizi said.

"In response, we caught Ntahomvukiye at his home distilling ibikwangari; he had already distilled about 1,000 litres, which he was taking to the market.

We also seized about 250 other litres, which another suspect, still on the run, was processing to make kanyanga," the DPC added.

"The substances were disposed of publicly, an event during which residents were sensitized on the ill-effects of consuming these drinks. Citizens were also educated on their role in fighting production and distribution of these substances, through information sharing."

He observed that these substances have also been blamed for other crimes including assault, gender based violence and theft.

The DPC further warned that such unlawful acts can also spread COVID-19 in this period, especially during distribution and in local bars where they are consumed.