One Chantal Uwimana was intercepted in Gasiza Village, Kamanyana Cell, Cyanika Sector with 300 cartons of polythene bags.
Another smuggler, Jean Niyigaba was arrested with 250 cartons of plastic bags in Ryabiyeyi Village, Kamanyana Cell also in Cyanika Sector.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Alex Ndayisenga, the Northern Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), said that Police was tipped off by the residents.
“Residents tipped off the Police about a group of smugglers that was attempting to sneak assorted goods including the outlawed polythene bags into Rwanda from Uganda. During the operation in Ryabiyeyi Village, Police managed to apprehend Niyigaba with 250 cartons of Plastic bags although other members of the group fled back,” said SP Ndayisenga.
Later on, at about 9pm, he added, Chantal Uwimana was also caught red-handed in Gasiza Village, Kamanyana Cell with 300 cartons of polythene bags after crossing into Rwanda from Uganda.
SP Ndayisenga commended residents, who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspects and seizure of the plastic bags.
He further warned against selling plastic bags, which were banned in Rwanda due to their ill-effects on the environment and people’s health.
The suspects were handed over to RIB at Cyanika station for further legal process.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of three hundred thousand Rwandan francs (Rwf300,000) and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items
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