Police in Nyagatare District, on Monday, seized pharmaceutical products that were being smuggled into the country through a porous border in Karama Sector.

One person was arrested in connection with the act.

The suspect, a teacher at Groupe Scolaire Kabare in Rwempasha Sector, was found in possession of 696 packs of coartem, a malaria drug, and 200 packs of paracetamol, a painkiller.

Police said the suspect, who had concealed the drugs in a travelling bag, is currently detained at Karama Police Station.

The suspect was intercepted by residents of Karama after he crossed from Uganda, through a porous border in Ndego Cell, who later handed him over to Police.

Senior Supt. Benoit Nsengiyumva, Police spokesperson in Eastern Province, lauded Karama residents for arresting the suspect.

He appealed to communities residing along borders to always be on watch-out and report such people who try to sneak things into the country through such illegal channels.

"Such illegal means can even bring fake products in the market, which are harmful to people’s health. It should therefore be the responsibility of every Rwandan to fight anything that might be of ill-effect to their lives,” Nsengiyumva said.  

He also advised them to always seek medical services from recognised pharmacies, clinics, health centres and hospitals and other accredited medical facilities.