Rwanda police seizes smuggled goods, arrests driver for tax evasion

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Rwanda National Police has intercepted two vehicles in Rubavu District, which were carrying smuggled goods, including second-hand clothes, skin-damaging lotions, and alcoholic beverages.

One of the vehicles, a Noah truck with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plates, was loaded with 25 bags of second-hand clothes, while the other contained 604 packs of harmful lotions, alcoholic drinks, and other items. The driver of the second vehicle fled the scene upon noticing the police, but the driver of the first vehicle was arrested.

The operation followed credible information from local citizens about the smuggling activities. The arrested driver admitted that the goods were illegally brought into Rwanda from DRC and sold in Kigali, avoiding taxes. This marks the second time the driver has been caught for similar offenses.

Police have urged the public to report smuggling activities, emphasizing that such illegal trade undermines national revenue collection and hinders economic growth.

The driver will face severe penalties under the East African Customs Management Act, including up to five years in prison and a fine of 50% of the value of the goods smuggled. The vehicle used for smuggling will also be auctioned.