The two vehicle, Toyota Noah type, were intercepted on Wednesday, January 15, in Rurembo Village, Byahi Cell of Rubavu Sector.
The vehicles were also transporting assorted wines and liquors, and banned skin bleaching cosmetics locally known as mukorogo.
The Police spokesperson for the Western region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said that one person, the driver, was arrested in connection with smuggling and fraud. The second driver fled the scene, he added.
"The operation was conducted by the Anti-smuggling and Organized Crime (ASOC) unit following a rip-off from area residents," SP Karekezi said.
He added: "During the operation, Police intercepted the two Noah vehicles with 25 bales of caguwa, 604 pieces of skin whitening creams, 72 bottles of Leffe Blonde beer, 216 of Red Bull, 20 packs of Red Wine, 24 bottles of Camino whisky, 24 bottles of Smirnoff, and three tins of Nido, powdered milk."
According to the arrested suspect, the goods were sneaked into Rwanda from the DRC on foot through illegal borders, to a house in Rubavu where they were found being loaded into the two vehicles.
He added that the goods were being transported to Kigali.
SP Karekezi commended the residents for their cooperation in fighting smuggling and related cross-border crimes.
According to the East African Community Customs Management Act, smuggling is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine equal to 50% of the value of the smuggled goods.
A vehicle used in smuggling is also auctioned, and their driver faces a fine of up to $5,000.
Article 87 of Law No. 026/2019 of September 18, 2019, on taxation states that anyone, who intentionally evades taxes by hiding taxable goods or property related to trade, commits tax evasion. If convicted, the offender faces an imprisonment between two and 5 years.
IGIHE
