Rwandan police, in collaboration with other security organs in Rubavu District, intercepted 500 kilograms of NPK 17-17-17 chemical fertilizer that was being smuggled into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday evening, May 20th.
The seizure happened around 7:30 p.m. in Gasizi village, Hehu cell, Bugeshi sector, after the owner abandoned the goods and fled upon realizing that the smuggling operation had been discovered.
The Western Province Police Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said that the arrest was made following a tip-off from local residents.
“The operation took place near what used to be a crossing point known as Gasizi, after receiving credible information from citizens that individuals were smuggling fertilizer into the DRC,” SP Karekezi explained.
Police tracked the fertilizer to a local resident’s home. Upon noticing the approaching security agents, the suspect escaped. The police recovered 20 sacks of NPK fertilizer, weighing a total of 500 kg, which were seized as investigations to locate the owner continue.
SP Karekezi emphasized that the fertilizer was part of a government subsidy program meant to help farmers increase agricultural productivity. Smuggling it out of the country or selling it illegally is strictly prohibited, and only licensed dealers are allowed to sell it.
He reminded the public that smuggling negatively affects national development and the economy because taxes meant for infrastructure and welfare services are lost.
The seized fertilizer was handed over to Agro-Processing Trust Corporation Ltd (APTC), the institution responsible for monitoring the distribution of government-subsidized agricultural inputs.
Rwanda enforces EAC Customs Management laws, which state that smuggling is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine equal to 50% of the undeclared goods’ value.
Article 87 of Law No. 026/2019 also considers tax evasion a crime punishable by 2 to 5 years in prison.
