Rwanda National Police (RNP) arrested in Rulindo District, a man identified as Jean Pierre Ndayambaje with Covid-19 kits, which he allegedly smuggled into Rwanda from Uganda.
Ndayambaje, who was traveling in a bus, was intercepted at about 1pm, in Kinini Village, Kirenge Cell of Rusiga Sector with assorted Covid-19 kits.
The seized kits include Covid-19 Ag Rapid test device positive control, Covid-19 Ag Rapid test device negative control, extraction tubes, rapid test device buffer, nasal swabs and extraction tube caps, among others.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Alex Ndayisenga, the Regional Political and Civic Education officer (RPCEO) for the Northern region, said that the arrest of Ndayambaje was part of Police operations to fight smuggling and drug trafficking.
“Police had mounted a check-point along Musanze-Kigali highway. When they searched Ndayambaje’s bag, they recovered the Covid-19 kits in his bag, which he had smuggled into Rwanda from Uganda, and took him into custody,” said SP Ndayisenga.
Ndayambaje argued that he was hired by unnamed person in Butaro Sector, Burera District to deliver them to someone in Kigali.
He added that he was supposed to be paid Frw250,000 upon delivery of the kits.
SP Ndayisenga warned against trafficking and selling smuggled goods, in particular Covid-19 kits which may be substandard and pose a challenge to the health system in the country.
Ndayambaje was handed over to RIB at Bushoki station for further investigation. (End)