Police in Nyabihu District have impounded 287 bottles of smuggled liquor after it was sneaked into the country apparently through an illegal border in the Western Province.
The seized liquor include 96 bottles of Red Wine, 48 bottles of Gordon gin, 26 bottles of Veuve Clicquot and 24 bottles of Black Label.
Other brands include Remy Martin, Chivas, J&B, Jack Daniel, Red Label and Captain Morgan.
The successful operation was conducted on June 17 following a tip off from an informer.
Police Spokesperson for the Western region, Superintendent Emmanuel Hitayezu, said that police seized the liquor and the car it was being transported in, at around 9pm in Rambura Sector in Nyabihu but suspects managed to escape.
“When they realized that they were being trailed by police, the suspects abandoned the vehicle in the nearby bush and run 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 also disrupts the pricing of commodities on the market. We commend those who provide timely information to Police and urge for continuous cooperation with Police in order to overcome this challenge,” Supt. Hitayezu said.
He also advised the business community to always go through legal channels to avoid shady businesses that leave them in loses after arrest and heavy penalties.
Early this month, Police in Bugesera District also foiled an attempt to smuggle 20 crates of alcohol and arrested two suspects who were involved in the plot.
RNP continuously conducts such operations against smuggled and illicit products throughout the country.
The Revenue Protection Department, a Police arm attached to Rwanda Revenue Authority is charged with, among others, to fight fraud, smuggling and other businesses intended to evade taxes or which are illegal.