Police commends public in fighting smuggling and fraud

Police has on several occasions intercepted suspected smugglers and impounded goods that are sneaked into the country illegally. Some of these goods are illicit or substandard, which pose illegal effects to the public, thus becoming a security issue.

These successful operations are largely facilitated by credible information provided by members of the public, a proactive and responsive spirit, which plays a big role in crime prevention and ensuring safety and security.

This strong partnership between Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the citizenry helped the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime department, on Wednesday January 10, to foil two separate smuggling and drug trafficking groups in Nyamasheke and Gicumbi districts.

In Nyamasheke, Police seized three bales of smuggled used clothes, from the house of a 39-year old man located in Macuba sector, Rugari cell.

"The suspect, who was also apprehended, sneaked the bales of clothes into the country, recently, but as usual, the Police eyes are everywhere because of the strong collaboration and information exchange with the people on such illegal acts," Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Western Region Police spokesperson, said .

Similarly, Police in Gicumbi District, on the same day, impounded a Toyota Hilux vehicle, which was transporting 45kgs of smuggled second hand shoes and 144 bottles of chief waragi gin.

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

A vehicle intercepted with smuggled goods is also auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.

A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is also subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax and a likely imprisonment of between six months and two years.

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

PM