Four women have been arrested in Burera District after they were caught red-handed smuggling liquor and other contraband, Police have said.

Police identified the suspects as Angélique Nyiransengiyumva, Vestine Uwizeyimana, Karusumu Nyirankiranuye and Dina Mukandahiro.

They were arrested on Wednesday at a police checkpoint along Cyanika-Musanze road.

According to Northern Region Police spokesperson, Inspector of Police Innocent Gasasira, the suspects were found with banned liquor under different brand names.

The suspects were also found with seven bottles of Uganda Waragi, 12 bottles of Bond 7 and two V&A bottles that had been smuggled into the country.

"Residents living around Cyanika border saw the four women loading the illegal luggage in a vehicle after crossing into Rwanda through a porous border, they informed Police which immediately mounted a snap checkpoint where they were arrested,” said IP Gasasira.

IP Gasasira said, ‘‘Under the current law on narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, "any drink that exceeds 45 per cent of alcohol content or does not have the required quality for consumption, shall be considered as a narcotic drug.”

"Most of the people we arrest in these operations are those that are very much aware that they are committing a crime. We have sensitised people against such crimes over and over again but a few are still involved in this malpractice. Once again, Rwanda National Police reminds anyone who is involved that we will not tire to ensure that such people are arrested to face justice,” he warned.

He appealed to the public to continue the spirit of partnership, which he said has been instrumental in crime detection, fighting and prevention.

Border districts are major routes for drugs, illicit brew and contrabands smuggled into or transiting through the country.

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