Superintendent of Police (SP) Alex Ndayisenga, the Northern Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), said that two people have been arrested in connection with this smuggling and fraud.

Also impounded is the bus, which was used to transport the sacks of Novida from a point in Burera District, after they were sneaked into Rwanda from Uganda, through a porous border point.

Those arrested include the driver of the coaster bus, RAE 440N, which was hired to transport the smuggled goods, identified as Eliezer Nsengiyumva, 37, and one Fiona Girimbabazi, 28, who was overseeing the smuggling operation and had escorted the goods to the final destination in Musanze town.

"This was a successful operation based on credible information that the District Police Unit of Musanze had received from a responsive resident," said SP Ndayisenga.

"The two arrested men were found in a hard-wall fenced house where the goods were being off-loaded from the bus. The alleged rightful owner of the seized goods is yet to be arrested," he added.

SP Ndayisenga lauded the impact of the public in fighting crimes, including smuggling and fraud.

Article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is applicable in Rwanda, provides that seized smuggled goods be auctioned.

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

Fraud

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