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Kinyarwanda
A Police operation conducted Wednesday on the shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi District seized about 10, 000 (50 cartons) of banned plastic bags that were at the time being sneaked into the country.
The biodegradable plastic bags were intercepted at the shores of Ryamujyanye in Mubuga Sector.
Police spokesperson for the Western region, Chief Inspector of police (CIP) Theobald Kanamugire, said that the operation was informed by a tip-off from residents in the area, who had information on traffickers.
“Based on the credible information, we conducted the operation in which the plastic bags were seized alongside 20 dozens of Sky Blue – illicit gin,” said CIP Kanamugire.
“We have identified the suspects, who managed to escape; they will be tracked and arrested for trafficking drugs and plastic bags. We continue to appeal to the public to press on against any illegal act, and inform the police whenever they see one,” he added.
Sky Blue packed in banned plastic bags, are classified among narcotics in Rwanda under the Ministerial Order determining unauthorized drinks and other controlled substances classified as narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances.
The law governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors in Rwanda, in its Article 24, states that “any drink that exceeds forty five percent of alcohol and any other drink which doesn't have the required quality for consumption shall be considered as narcotic drug.”
Trafficking of illicit drugs attracts a term of imprisonment of up to five years under article 594 of the Rwandan penal code.
On the other hand, use of polythene bags was banned in Rwanda in 2008, when the law on the ban was promulgated.
According to article 433 of the Penal Code, “any person who sells polythene without authorization shall be liable to a fine of Rwf10, 000 to Rwf300, 000.
Using polythene bags also attract a fine of up to Rwf100, 000, but in case the person repeats the offence, the penalty is doubled.
Under article 433, managers of industries, companies or sole proprietorship found in possession of polythene without authorization, manufacturing or using them shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of at least two six months and a fine of up to Rwf3 million.
