Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the smugglers were caught with 24 tins of powdered milk, nine sacks of banned skin bleaching lotions and a sack of polythene bags.

"They were arrested in the middle of the night smuggling the goods, including those that are banned in Rwanda like skin whitening products and plastic bags. They were using illegal border points from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and were intercepted by the security personnel on patrol," CIP Karekezi said.

He explained that the smugglers were arrested alongside one Rutagarama Museveni alias Murasta, who is said to be the owner of the goods.

"Two people had smuggled the goods and delivering them to Rutagarama. When security personnel detected them, they were approaching his house and indeed they immediately entered the same house, where they were arrested with the goods," CIP Karekezi explained.

He reminded the public that such fraud can also be the source and spread of Coronavirus.

Under the East African Community Management Act, which is applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods under article 199, are auctioned.

The vehicle used in fraud and smuggling is also auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.

Three suspected smugglers were arrested on Monday July 6, in Mbugangali Cell, Gisenyi Sector in Rubavu District with assorted goods.