The goods which include those that were banned in Rwanda, were seized from two smugglers identified as Jean Pierre Uwiringiyimana, 29 and Victor Kageruka, 24, who were also taken into custody.

Among the intercepted goods include 11 cartons of non-biodegradable polythene bags, 42 pieces of movit lotion, 24 weighing scales, 51 rolls of electric cables and 33 packets of Supermatch cigarette.

The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said that the goods were sneaked into Rwanda from Burundi.

"Police acted on a tip-off from residents that Uwiringiyimana and Kageruka would be smuggling good into the country from Burundi. On Wednesday at about 4pm, they crossed into Rwanda on a motorcycle with a sack of electric cables called Senegal, which are banned in Rwanda," said Kanamugire.

Police officers, he added, trailed them to a house located in Uwimpundu Village, Muhembe Cell in Karama Sector where all the goods were recovered and the two suspects taken into custody.

The suspects disclosed that they intended to smuggle the goods to Muhanga town to supply one of their customers.

SP Kanamugire commended residents for sharing information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

He also warned against "unnecessary and cross-border movements" which leads to the spread of Covid-19.

The suspects were handed over to RIB at Huye station for further legal process.

Under article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is also applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods and an automobile used in smuggling are auctioned, and the driver is fined of US$5000.

Tax fraud

A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax.

Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.

In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.

In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.

In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags.