Manigena had sneaked the bales into Rwanda from Tanzania by boat before he was intercepted in Rama Village of Nyankurazo Cell in Kigarama Sector.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that Manigena was reported by local residents after they saw him crossing into Rwanda with the goods.

"Police in Kirehe had information about people, who smuggle goods especially second-hand clothes, into the country from Tanzania by boat through Akagera river. On Monday, at about midnight, with credible information that they saw a man on the shores unloading goods from the boat; Police responded and arrested Manigena with three-and-a-half bales of used clothes," SP Twizeyimana said.

He commended the impact of the public in fighting and preventing crimes, including smuggling and drug trafficking.

Under the East African Community Management Act, seized smuggled goods under article 199, are auctioned.

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