Rwanda National Police

Police in Nyarugenge district, on September 27, intercepted a vehicle registration number RAA 652J omnibus type loaded with over 10,400 cartons of banned plastic bags and 20 rolls of substandard electrical wires said to have been sneaked into the country through an illegal border in Bugesera.

The plastic bags and the wires were seized after the vehicle involved in an accident in Gacyamo of Gitega sector.

Two people including the driver identified as Bosco Rutangira were arrested in connection with the act.

The driver, however, argued that he was hired to transport the illegal luggage to Kigali and that he was told it was bundles of clothes concealed in sucks.

Supt. Modeste Mbabazi, the Central region Police Spokesperson warned the business community against the use of polythene bags to pack goods for their customers and selling unauthorised electrical equipment.

"At this point, everyone knows that plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda because of their ill-effects on the environment, and punishable by law and the same goes to such electrical gadgets which may cause fire outbreak when used," Mbabazi noted.

"We appeal to all Rwandans to fight these unlawful businesses because it is in the interest of them all." he added.