The Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) has impounded a vehicle in Nyagatare District, which was transporting nine sacks of smuggled second-hand clothes commonly known as caguwa.

The omnibus vehicle registration number RAB 987A, was intercepted on Wednesday, November 2, in Nyagatare II, Rwempasha Sector.

The Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana said that three people, who were aboard the vehicle belonging to Speranza Group Limited, a local liquor manufacturing company, were also taken into custody.

They include the driver identified as Bosco Nsengiyumva, 45, Scovia Mukakayonde , 37, also an employee of Speranza Group Limited, and one Berine Uzamukunda, 40.

"The RPU mounted a checkpoint at about 10 a.m in Nyagatare II along Nyagatare -Kayonza road following credible information on a vehicle which had loaded smuggled used clothes attempting to transport them to unknown destination in Kigali," SP Twizeyimana said.

He added that when Police officers searched the vehicle, they recovered nine sacks of smuggled second-hand clothes weighing 509kgs.

The sacks were covered with 65 boxes of liquors in an attempt to beat security.

Uzamukunda is the alleged rightful owner of the clothes, which were smuggled into Rwanda from Uganda through a porous border point.

SP Twizeyimana lauded the impact of the public in fighting smuggling and fraud.

Tax evasion under article 87 of the law on tax procedures provides an imprisonment of between 2 and 5 years.

Under the East African Community Management Act, goods and a vehicle intercepted transporting smuggled goods, are auctioned. The driver is also slapped a fine of US$5000.

AE News