Rwanda National Police

The Revenue Protection Unit seized assorted goods in Rubavu District that had been smuggled into the country. 

The smuggled merchandise seized on March 5, include second-hand shoes and clothes believed to have been smuggled into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Innocent Gasasira, the Western region Police spokesperson said the merchandise was confiscated from illegal traders during a security check in Gisenyi sector after residents tipped the Police on tax evaders. 

The Government of Rwanda deliberated on a strategy to develop the textiles, apparel, and leather industrial sectors and a blueprint were consequently designed on how to implement such a strategy.

“We thank the public, who continue to fight such fraudulent businesses by reporting those involved and routes they use,” CIP Gasasira said.

Police, in the last nine months recovered Rwf1.5 billion in taxes that would have been otherwise lost through fraud and smuggling. 

CIP Gasasira advised traders to go through legal procedures of importing goods instead of drawing themselves into loses.

Seized smuggled goods are by law auctioned.