The goods smuggled into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), included 100kgs of second-hand clothes and 60kgs of shoes.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the Western Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO) said that three other accomplices fled during the operation.

"It was a group of four people, who were intercepted at about 10:30 p.m after they crossed into Rwanda, following information provided by a resident in Bugeshi Sector. One of them, Tuyishime, was arrested but his three accomplices dropped their luggage and fled back to DRC," said CIP Rukundo.

Tuyishime said they were hired by a trader operating in Mahoko trading centre to smuggle the second-hand clothes and shoes from DRC, for Frw3,000, each.

CIP Rukundo warned against illegal cross-border and fraud. He lauded the impact of the public in fighting smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

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

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