All the goods were seized in two separate operations conducted in the cells of Rukoko and Byahi in Rubavu sector, Police said.
“In the first operation conducted in Byahi at about 10pm, police seized 315kgs of used shoes and 405kgs secondhand clothes; the alleged smugglers, who managed to escape, had just crossed into the country with the goods,” Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Eulade Gakwaya, Police spokesperson for the Western region, said.
“Based on information, the operation continued later at about midnight, in Rutagara Village of Rukoko cell in Rubavu sector where two other bales were also seized,” he added.
Smuggling of second-hand clothes has relatively increased in the past few years following the increase in taxes levied on them from $0.2 per cent to $2.5 per cent per kilogramme.
“Owing to the fact that Rubavu is one of the major smuggling routes from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Police has intensified operations and night patrols in particular because most smugglers tend to use the cover of the night,” the spokesperson said.
{{SRC:Police News}}
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