English
Kinyarwanda
About 22200 pieces of non-biodegradable plastic bags were seized on Wednesday, March 8, when Police intercepted a suspected trafficker in Birambo cell of Gashari sector in Karongi District. A 42-year dealer was also arrested.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the Western Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), said that the trafficker was intercepted at about 9a.m. following information that he was trafficking and supplying the outlawed polythene bags.
"He was arrested in Birambo cell will 111 cartons (22200 pieces) of polythene bags. He was working with other dealers in Rubavu District, who were supplying him before selling them to his clients in Ruhango and other districts. Available information indicates that he has been selling plastic bags for over five months now," CIP Rukundo said.
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 Frw700, 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 Frw300,000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
