Rwanda National Police

Revenue Protection Unit officers in Rubavu District have seized over 100 bales of secondhand clothes from smugglers.

According to Chief inspector of police (CIP), Innocent Gasasira confirmed the developments and said goods were impounded during a targeted operation after information reached law enforcers that suspected traders had smuggled the goods and concealed them at the home of one Assumani Bizimana.

The goods were seized on January 25, in Gisenyi sector, Bugoye cell, Mataba Village.

“This information led officers to the home of Assumani who also revealed the owners of the goods,” said CIP Gasasira.

“We commend the concerned ordinary citizens who give us information about these activities which serve to destabilize our economy,” said CIP Gasasira

He explained that there have been continuous complaints from genuine businesses people who are heavily affected by the availability of smuggled goods on the market. 

He said those dodging taxes affect the economy and the same effect to the profitability of others who pay taxes.

In article 200, any person with uncustomed goods shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine of 50 percent of the dutiable value of the goods involved, or both.

Additional penalties include the closure of business activities for a period of thirty days and being barred from bidding for public tenders, among others.

Under the East African Community Management Act, in article 199, the driver caught for fraud or smuggling goods, is slapped a fine of US$5000 while the vehicle and the goods are auctioned.