Four arrested with smuggled liquor

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

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

They were arrested on June 8 at a police checkpoint along Cyanika-Musanze road.

According to Northern Region Police spokesperson, Inspector of Police (IP) Innocent Gasasira, the suspects were found with 37 dozens of blue sky, 11 dozens of Kitoko Waragi, two dozens of coffee liquor and three dozens of Host Waragi, all illicit substances banned in Rwanda.

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 without paying taxes.

“Residents living around Cyanika border saw the four women loading the illegal luggage in a vehicle after crossing into Rwanda through a non-gazetted  border, they informed us and we immediately mounted a snap checkpoint where we arrested the quartet,” said IP Gasasira.

IP Gasasira went on to emphasize that 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 sensitized people against such substances 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 prevention, detection, and fighting crime.

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

IP Gasasira pointed out that any person found with drugs or any of the mentioned substance is liable to punishment as stated in article 594 of the penal code.

The article reads in part that any person who unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rwf5 million.