Police has intercepted at least 173kg of untagged minerals in Rutsiro District, Western Rwanda.
Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector of Police Theobald Kanamugire, said a Landcruiser registration number RAC 251G was intercepted by Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) at a police roadblock in Miyira Cell of Manihira Sector on May 16.
He said the minerals were being smuggled to Kigali City.
The driver identified as Jean Luc Niyimfasha, who was the only person on board, was also arrested. He is currently being detained at Gihango Police station.
Police officers were conducting routine checks at the roadblock in Rufunzo village when they discovered that the vehicle had minerals.
The driver could not provide legal documents permitting him to transport the minerals. He was immediately arrested while the vehicle and minerals were impounded pending further investigations, IP Kanamugire said.
Normally, according to the law, minerals should only be transported in a metallic container, centrally to how Jean Luc Niyimfasha had loaded the minerals.
“These are fraudulent dealings which are aimed at tax evasion. Minerals are supposed to be tagged before they are transported by licensed dealers or companies,” IP Kanamugire said.
Rwanda National Police, through its Environmental Protection Unit (EPU), has been instrumental in fighting smuggling and enforcing the law, preservation of environment through environmental education, practical interpretation of the environmental laws.
In March, Police in Rulindo also intercepted about 600kg of Wolfram that were being smuggled and arrested two people in connection with the illegal act.
Meanwhile, mining is one of Rwanda’s major revenue generators, fetching about $166 million. Wolfram prices have since increased at about 40%.
Kanamugire said mining is also regulated to ensure standards and to protect the environment.
Rwanda National Police, through its Environmental Protection Unit (EPU), has been instrumental in fighting smuggling and enforcing the law, preservation of environment through environmental education, practical interpretation of the environmental laws.
In March, Police in Rulindo also intercepted about 600 kilogrammes of Wolfram that were being smuggled and arrested two people in connection with the illegal act.