Rwanda National Police

Four suspected smugglers have been arrested in City of Kigali with assorted goods, which they sneaked into the country through porous border points and other fraudulent channels.

They were arrested separately this week having managed to find their way into Kigali with their goods. The suspects were paraded to the media this Friday at Kigali metropolitan in Remera.

They were caught with assorted goods including liquors and bales of second-hand clothes locally known as Caguwa.

One of the smugglers, Fabrice Twiringiyimana, 30, was caught with 22 bottles of assorted liquors including Red and Black Label, Gordon Gin and Amarula.

“I work with other people and devise ways to evade taxes and to ensure that products get to the market, we mainly forge seals,” said Twiringiyimana.

It is said that Twiringiyimana has been into this fraud business for over two years.

Three other suspected smugglers, who belong to the same ring, were arrested with four bales of Caguwa. They were recovered in the house of one of the suspects identified as Jean Claude Uwihirwe, 29, in Kimisagara Sector, Nyarugenge District.

“I am aware that what we did is illegal, my role was to keep the bales for others. I regret the illegal actions and plead for leniency. I am committed to work with the police to report anyone suspected to be involved in smuggling,” Uwihiriwe said.  

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said people shouldn’t deceive themselves that Police is preoccupied with Coronavirus related activities.

“Police is still here; people should not think that we are busy fighting against COVID-19 and think that they have a window to engage in their unlawful acts or commit crimes. They will be arrested to face the law. 

These people were smuggling goods and they have been doing it for a while, it is a chain, they have been arrested and others still involved should think twice, their day will come and they will be equally arrested,” CP Kabera warned. 

The spokesperson emphasized that smuggling is unlawful due to its impact on the economy, its likelihood to bring into the market hazardous goods, evading taxes and that’s why it’s part of the day-to-day police operations. 

CP Kabera warned of “appropriate consequences” to anyone that will be caught in such illegal acts.

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

The vehicle used in fraud and smuggling is also auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.