Rwanda Revenue Rwanda (RRA) through its anti-smuggling unit, Revenue Protection Department (RPD) seized goods worth Rwf750.9 million in 2009.

Statistics from RRA indicate that the value and volume of smuggled goods has been rising over years.   

According to Seth Muhirwa, the Director of RPD, each year RRA comes up with new measures of curbing illicit trade and tax evaders but they are not necessarily successful.

"Despite efforts such as speed boats and scanners to curb the vice, RRA continues to battle with smugglers,” he said.

This year, Muhirwa said, RRA will focus on using informers who reveal who the smugglers and tax evaders are.

RPD has also hired experts and equipped their staff with necessary skills to investigate and prosecute suspects.

Liquors, wines, Bitengi fabrics are often smuggled into the country from DR Congo, Tanzania while general merchandise comes in from Uganda.

Other prominent smuggled products include engine oil, cigarettes, powdered milk (NIDO) and banned products like plastic bags and Marijuana.

There have been continuous complaints from genuine businesses which are heavily affected by the availability of smuggled goods on the market. 

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