Rwanda National Police

Three people suspected of being part of smuggling rings, were arrested Tuesday, August 20, in Rubavu District with bales of used clothes and shoes.

The bales were allegedly sneaked into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The trio, including two women, was arrested by the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (ASOC) department during operations conducted in Rugerero Sector, Muhira Cell in Gitebe I Village.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the group was intercepted at about 11:30a.m, following a rip-off from local residents.

"It was a group of seven suspected smugglers, who had crossed into Rwanda from DRC, through an illegal border point, with bales of second-hand clothes and shoes. Four of them managed flee back in the same direction, but three others were apprehended in the process and the goods seized," said SP Karekezi.

He added that the suspects were previously named among groups of smugglers, and were being trailed in partnership with the local residents and leaders.

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