Rwanda National Police

Police in Burera District seized assorted goods and narcotic drugs that had been sneaked into the country through an illegal border in Cyanika Sector.

They were intercepted on November 2, along Cyanika-Musanze road in a targeted operation against smuggling and trafficking of narcotic drugs, and other illegal goods.

Those impounded include cartoons of Nile Water, 210Kgs of maize flour, liquors, soft and energy drinks. 

Also seized include 100 cartons of plastic bags.

A 2008 ban on manufacturing, importation, use and sale of plastic bags has earned Rwanda international recognition in environment conservation.

According to the law, factories found using banned plastic bags should face a fine of between Rwf100,000 and Rwf500,000 with owners facing jail term of six to twelve months.

An individual who sells the banned bags is fined between Rwf10,000 and Rwf300,000 while buyers are fined between Rwf5,000 and Rwf100,000.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, while reacting on the operation, said this was a reaponse to a tip-off from members of the public, who had seen people entering the country through an illegal border.

He thanked the residents who facilitated the successful operation with credible information. 

"We are well aware that Burera is one of the routes for smugglers and drug traffickers. We have also devised measures which are all largely based on police-public partnership through community policing and information sharing in particular," CIP Rugigana said.

He appealed to residents to maintain the responsive spirit against all unlawful acts.