The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), in collaboration with the Rwanda National Police, has showcased smuggled goods valued at more than Rwf 18 million, which were intercepted in Rusizi District.
The items were displayed on September 30, 2025, at RRA’s Customs Warehouse in the Masoro Industrial Zone, Kigali. According to officials, the seizure was made on September 28, 2025, through a joint operation involving local authorities, security organs, and community members.
RRA revealed that the shipment included 1,200 pieces of fabric (ibitenge) concealed in a truck beneath cement. The smugglers abandoned the truck and fled, and are currently being pursued by security agencies to face justice.
In addition, RRA presented other contraband seized in different operations, including nearly 1,500 bales of clothing, expensive alcoholic beverages, electronic devices, construction materials, and various other illegally imported goods.
Jean Paulin Uwitonze, RRA’s Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communication, stated that the tactics used by smugglers are well known and warned that such practices severely damage the country’s economy. “We are aware of all the tricks used. That is why we urge traders to use legal channels. Otherwise, whether today or tomorrow, smuggled goods will be intercepted,” he said.
Uwitonze noted that the end-of-year period often sees an increase in smuggling attempts, but assured that authorities have intensified efforts to counter the practice. “We know this is a season when some try to bring in contraband. That’s why we have strengthened our measures—to ensure that local businesses operating legally are not pushed out of the market by smuggled goods,” he added.
He also reminded the public that RRA has a dedicated anti-smuggling unit and stressed that smuggling is not only cross-border but can also occur domestically. He called on all citizens to play a role in reporting new smuggling methods so offenders can be stopped early.
Furthermore, RRA urged citizens to always request an EBM receipt for their purchases and report any discrepancies between receipts and actual goods received, emphasizing that this is their legal right.
Under the law, a trader caught with smuggled goods is fined USD 5,000 in addition to having the contraband confiscated. Anyone evading Value Added Tax (VAT) is fined ten times the amount, and repeat offenders may be fined up to twenty times.
The law also stipulates that seized goods deemed fit for local consumption must be auctioned within three months.
“Bales of second-hand clothes were seized as they were being smuggled into the country.”
“RRA also displayed other goods, including nearly 1,500 bales of clothing.”
“Jean Paulin Uwitonze, the Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communication at RRA, stated that the tricks used are well known and warned those involved in smuggling.”
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
