Rwandan police have intercepted two Congolese vehicles in the country’s Western Province that were transporting contraband, including second-hand clothing and banned skin-lightening products.
The two Toyota Noah vehicles were stopped on January 15 in Rurembo village, Rubavu sector, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
One of the drivers was arrested while the second fled the scene.
According to the spokesperson for the Western Region police Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the seizure included 25 bales of second-hand clothing (caguwa), 604 skin-lightening creams (mukorogo) and various alcoholic beverages, including Leffe Blonde beers, Red Bull, red wine and spirits.
“The operation was conducted by the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (ASOC) unit following a tip-off from residents,” Karekezi said.
According to the arrested suspect, the goods were to be transported to Kigali after being smuggled on foot from the DRC.
East African law provides for up to five years imprisonment and a fine equivalent to 50% of the value of the goods for smuggling.
The vehicles used are auctioned and their drivers risk a fine of up to $5,000.
The 2019 Rwandan tax law also provides for penalties of two to five years imprisonment for deliberate tax evasion involving commercial goods.
AC/sf/lb/jn/APA