Rwanda National Police

The Anti-smuggling and Organized Crime (ASOC) department has seized 62 bales in second-hand clothes in Rubavu District, which were smuggled into Rwanda from the DR Congo.

The bales were recovered l in a house located in Gisenyi sector, Kivumu cell in Itangazamakuru village, which was being used as store, when Police searched it on Saturday, November 23.

Two men were arrested at the scene in connection with smuggling and fraud.

The Police spokesperson for the Western region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said: "Police had information about a group of smugglers, which had sneaked unknown quantities of bales of used clothes into Rwanda from DRC, through a porous border called Kukarundo."

He added: "Later that day, Police searched the house, which was suspected to be their store, they recovered 62 bales and arrested two people at the scene.

Police is also searching for other seven people said to be members of the same ring and owners of the seized bales of clothes."

SP Karekezi also warned moto-taxi operators, who facilitate smugglers and drug traffickers.

Early this week, ASOC also impounded a vehicle in Rubavu District, which was transporting 16 bales of smuggled second-hand clothes commonly known as caguwa. Two people were arrested over the same act.

Article 87 of the law on tax procedures provides an imprisonment of between 2 and 5 years, for tax evasion.

Under article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods are auctioned.

A vehicle intercepted with smuggled goods is also auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.