Police in Nyabihu District have impounded 287 bottles of smuggled liquor after it was sneaked into the country through an illegal border crossing in the Western Province.

The contraband included an assortment of expensive drinks like Remy Martin, Chivas, Black Label, Jack Daniels, among others.

The operation was conducted on June 17, following a tip off from an informer.

Police Spokesperson for the Western region, Supt Emmanuel Hitayezu, said that police seized the liquor and the car in which it was being transported, at around 9pm in Rambura Sector in Nyabihu District but the suspects escaped.

"When they realised that they were being trailed by police, the suspects abandoned the vehicle in a nearby bush and ran away but investigations are ongoing to apprehend them,” he said.

"Smuggling is illegal and punishable under Rwandan laws, because of its negative effect on the economy through the evasion of taxes and disrupts the pricing of commodities on the market. We commend those who provide timely information to Police and urge for continued cooperation with Police in order to overcome this challenge,” Supt. Hitayezu said.

He also advised the business community to always go through legal channels and avoid shady dealings that leave them in loses after arrest and heavy penalties.