Illicit alcohol crackdown: Why police summoned Torrero alcohol manufacturers

By WN Admin

Kampala – The Uganda police has summoned Yuti Breweries Limited officials who are the manufacturers of Torrero Liquor, Torrero Wild, Yura Strong and Yura Gold over allegations of selling noxious and adulterated drinks.

They are being investigated by Kampala Metropolitan Police under file number GEF 227/2022.

The investigations, according to police sources, kicked off last year and are still ongoing.

Some of the top officials who have so far been summoned and recorded statements include Raju Punchal (General Manager), Christine Atibok (HRM), Cedric Maniala (Sales and Marketing) among others.

The summon letter to the General Manager was signed by the Kampala Metropolitan Police CID Commander, D/ACP Bob Kagarura reads : “The Criminal Investigations Directorate at Kampala Metropolitan Police Headquarters is investigating a case of sale of noxious and adulterated drinks to unsuspecting clients. The purpose of this letter therefore, is to summon you to appear before the CID Commander, Kampala Metropolitan Police Headquarters at CPS Kampala building Room 64 or 76 on Friday the 7th day of October, 2022 at 10:00am come along with relevant information and certification that permit you to manufacture your products at your Namanve Plant.”

The investigations, according to police sources, followed complaints that some consumers felt uncomfortable after consuming some of the Yuti Breweries products.

It should further be recalled that in 2022, Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), banned the production and sale of City 5 gin, a locally distilled alcohol in Arua City, after it reportedly claimed about 17 lives and left others hospitalized.

Our efforts to get a comment from Yuti Breweries Ltd were futile by press time, as they didn’t respond to our repeated phone calls on their known telephone numbers. We will keep you posted.

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