Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, identified the suspected smugglers as Cyprien Bahire, 31, Emmanuel Ngabonzima, 31, Emmanuel Ndungutse, 32, Aminadab Iradukunda, 26, and Placide Uwiduhaye, 21.

They were arrested separately in Kigina and Nyamigari sectors, he added.

"Police, acting on a tip-off from residents, first arrested Iradukunda and Ndungutse in Kanogo village, Gatarama cell of Kigina sector, with two bales but they disclosed Bahire as the rightful owner. Bahire was also arrested," SP Twizeyimana said.

Other bales were recovered from Ngabonziza and Uwiduhaye in Nyamigari.

SP Twizeyimana commended the role of communities living along the borderlines in fighting cross-border crimes such as smuggling and drug trafficking.

The suspects were handed over to RIB at Nyamugari station for further investigations.

In article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is also applicable in Rwanda, smuggled goods and automobile used in smuggling, are auctioned.

Tax fraud

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