Twizeyimana was intercepted on Sunday in Remera Sector of Ngoma District with 100kgs of fertilizers. He was at the time smuggling the fertilizers on a motorcycle RC 169P, which was also impounded.

The suspect was buying the fertilizers from vulnerable beneficiaries in Kabarondo, Kayonza District and selling them to passion fruit farmers in Remera, Ngoma District, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.

"Police, which was in an operation to arrest distillers, sellers and traffickers of illicit brew in Remera, became suspicious and stopped Theoneste Twizeyimana, who was carrying consignments in sacks on the motorcycle," the spokesperson said.

He added: "When they searched the sacks they found they were loaded with industrial fertilizers, which he buys from vulnerable beneficiaries in Kayonza and sells them at a higher price to passion fruit farmers in Ngoma."

The fertilizer, which are given to farmers, contain nutrients that play a key role in agricultural productivity.

“Beneficiaries and business community are encouraged to prevent such illegal businesses that negatively effect the government agricultural programme, and report those who hamper the national development efforts."

The Ministry of Agriculture said these fertilizers are meant for the farmers at a subsidized price to increase their production.

“Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Ministry of Agriculture are currently working together to ensure that all those involved in such illegal businesses are caught and brought to justice” he said.

CIP Twizeyimana warned that it’s illegal to buy fertilizers from beneficiaries and advised beneficiaries to use them to increase production and fight poverty.