{Rwanda National Police seized 70 cartons of fake body lotions and 1,800 sachets of cannabis in Nyabihu District, as operations continue to protect the country against dangerous products. }
The seized products were all discovered on April 11 in a house belonging to Emerithe Uwimana, 28, a resident of Kora Cell, Bigogwe Sector.
She managed to elude Police and is in hiding; however, her suspected accomplice, Francoise Nyirarukundo, was arrested at the house, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fugitive.
Police Spokesperson for Western Region, Inspector Theobard Kanamugire, said that while criminals see the production and sale of counterfeit products as a lucrative model, this illicit activity not only harms legitimate traders but also infiltrates society with harmful and fatal products.
“The suspects were dealing in counterfeit products while also trading banned drugs like cannabis. Police has over and again warned Rwandans against participating in such activities which are undesirable in society,” he said.
“Investigations will continue to ensure that the second suspect is apprehended, while nationwide operations will ensure that the habit of dealing in fake products and trading in drugs is kicked out of communities.”
He called upon residents to partner with Police through the provision of timely information to facilitate operations and investigations against illicit drugs and counterfeit products.
According to the Penal Code Article 342, anybody caught selling counterfeit products or involved in illegal trade, will have their business closed and is also liable to a fine of between Rwf20m and Rwf100m, or serve a jail term or both, on conviction.
Article 593 and 594 prohibit the growing, selling, transportation and consumption of narcotic drugs with a term of imprisonment between three to five years and a fine between Rwf500,000 to Rwf5 million.
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