Rwanda National Police

As the fight against smuggling and fraud continues in different parts of the country, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested two people, separately, in Rusizi District, who sneaked assorted goods including liquors, into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Western Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, said that one of the suspects identified as Islon Mugisha was apprehended on Wednesday, August 17, at his home in Kirabyo Village, Gahinga Cell, Mururu Sector where Police recovered 8 Cellar Cask wines, and 60kgs of second-hand clothes.

One Pacifique Ndihokubwayo, he added, was also arrested on Tuesday, August 16, at about 9pm, in Kamurera Village, Gihundwe Cell, Kamembe Sector with 5kgs of second-hand clothes.

"These successful operations were conducted by the Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) on tip-offs by members of the public. If you are engaged in this fraud, know that RNP has ears and eyes where you are passing or operating from; you will be known and arrested like many others," CIP Rukundo warned.

The Western borderline with the DRC is marked as one of the major smuggling routes with second-hand clothes and shoes as well as liquors, among the main intercepted goods.

Drug traffickers especially cannabis and dealers in skin bleaching products also attempt to use this route from the DRC.

The arrest of the Mugisha and Ndihokubwayo came on heels of increased operations against smuggling and fraud.

On Monday, August 15, and Tuesday, August 16, the RPU and the department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crimes (ASOC) arrested six people in Nyabihu and Rubavu districts with assorted goods, including clothes, shoes, prohibited skin bleaching cosmetics and energy drinks.

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