In a joint anti-smuggling operation conducted on Tuesday, May 20, Rwandan Police and other security agencies in Rubavu District intercepted 500 kilograms of illegally transported NPK 17-17-17 fertilizer. The consignment was being smuggled across the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the fertilizer—packaged in 20 bags—was seized in Gasizi village, Hehu cell, Bugeshi sector, after its owner fled upon realizing they had been detected.
“This operation took place near the area formerly used as a border crossing known as Gasizi,” SP Karekezi said. “We acted on reliable information provided by local residents, which led us to the home of a suspect who escaped before being apprehended. The bags of fertilizer were left behind and immediately confiscated.”
SP Karekezi emphasized that the subsidized fertilizer is intended to support Rwandan farmers in improving agricultural productivity. He added that selling or smuggling it out of the country is illegal and undermines national economic development.
“Such smuggling activities result in tax evasion, which directly affects the government’s ability to fund infrastructure and social programs,” he warned. “These actions are unacceptable and will be fought vigorously in collaboration with the public.”
The confiscated fertilizer was handed over to Agro-Processing Trust Corporation Ltd (APTC), the agency responsible for monitoring the distribution of government-subsidized agricultural inputs.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the smuggling attempt.
Under the East African Community Customs Management Act, smuggling is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine equal to 50% of the value of the smuggled goods.
Additionally, Rwanda’s Tax Procedure Law No. 026/2019 stipulates that anyone caught intentionally evading tax by concealing taxable goods may face a prison sentence of two to five years upon conviction.
