Rwanda National Police

In a bid to further crack down on smuggling, Police operating in Karongi district on August 21, impounded 90 bales of second hand clothes and arrested

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Innocent Gasasira, the Western Police Spokesperson, confirmed the development, adding that, the smuggled merchandises were intercepted in a FUSO truck RAC 915 I which at the time heading to Kigali.

“Residents tipped us about the smuggled second hand clothes, we mounted a snap-check point in Bwishyura Sector on the Karongi –Kigali highway only to intercept the smuggled clothes loaded in the FUSO truck,” said Gasasira.

CIP Gasasira identified the arrested suspects as; Jean Claude Niyibizi,31, Francois Mushimiyimana 25, Theoneste Nsenga 28, Jean de Dieu Ndagijimana, 39, and Jean Claude Twizeyimana, the truck driver.

Suspects are detained at Bwishyura Police Station.

The Western Region Police Spokesperson, appreciated the cooperation with citizenry in crime prevention, he however called for collaboration through information sharing to ensure that criminal activities particularly smuggling are effectively and efficiently prevented.

He warned residents against smuggling and other illegal business adding that, Police will continue operations to arrest suspect and to ensure that those involved are brought to book.

“Smuggling, if nothing is done to prevent it, could paralyze the country’s economy but also affects individuals and families. People especially those involved in business have to bear in mind that, taxes are key for infrastructural development which facilitate smooth running of business,” noted Gasasira.

Under the East African Community Management Act in its article 199, seized smuggled goods are auctioned, while article 369 of the Rwandan Penal Code provides term of imprisonment of between three to six months and a penalty equal to the evaded tax.