RUSIZI-Officials from Rwanda Revenue Authority’s Revenue Protection Division (RPD) in Rusizi District on Thursday morning impounded various smuggled goods in Kamembe sector.  

The Assistant Inspector of Police, John Bosco Kagame, in charge of RPD in both Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts, told The New Times that the items which included 600 litres of fuel, 46 jerrycans of engine oil and 68 pieces of women’s traditional cloth commonly known as Ibitengi, were smuggled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The goods were confiscated from various local smugglers in Kamashangi cell in Kamembe sector, he said.  

"Today [Thursday] at around 4:00 am I was tipped about an assortment of smuggled goods that were hidden around Kamembe town. After this tip off we mounted an operation which resulted in impounding the smuggled items,” Kagame said, adding that RPD had earlier on Wednesday impounded another consignment of assorted smuggled goods that included 80 boxes of Red Wine and 60 pairs of Bitengi.  

He said that in collaboration with other concerned security organs in the area, they would step up vigilance in order to reduce smuggling activities in Rusizi.  

Kagame revealed that the RPD in Rusizi plans to use a local radio in the district to sensitise residents about the importance of paying taxes, while urging them to report suspected smugglers.

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