Rwanda National Police

Anti-smuggling police in Burera District on Wednesday seized an assortment of illegal merchandise being smuggled into Rwanda through porous border pathways, en route to Kigali.

According to the Northern Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the law enforcement officers mounted an impromptu roadblock along Cyanika-Musanze highway.

That was after receiving information that some contraband goods were being transported through the route, and, it was suspected, taxes on the goods had been evaded.

“The smugglers abandoned the goods and fled the scene,” CIP Twizeyimana said.

Gicumbi and Burera districts are well known as major transit routes for traffickers of illegal (narcotic) substances in Northern Province. As a result residents have strengthened community-policing efforts, through establishment of anti-drugs clubs in each of the sectors. The aim is to increase awareness and support intensified police operations to arrest suspect illegal substance dealers.

The goods seized included 18 dozens of Novida, 110 dozens of plastic bags, 60 pairs of used shoes, 10 dozens of “blue sky”, 5 boxes of matches, 24 pieces of old treasures and 9 boxes of “London Whisky”.

Under the East African Community Management Act article 199, seized smuggled goods are auctioned, while article 369 of the Rwandan Penal Code provides a penalty equal to the evaded tax. A driver of the vehicle intercepted with smuggled goods is also handed a fine of US$ 5,000.