English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) on June 12 exhibited an assortment of counterfeited agricultural medicines including sprays and fertilizers, as well as illicit substances which were seized during Usalama operation conducted last week countrywide.
The value of illicit drugs only is worth US$16, 000, approximately Rwf11.4 million while the rest of the mixed items could not be determined at the time. The police operation, Usalama II lasted for two days from June 4th to 5th, 2015.
The operation was initiated and conducted simultaneously in the Eastern and Southern Africa regions (EAPCCO and SARPCCO) member countries. To ensure the operational effectiveness and deny criminals chances to escape operations from one region to another if operations where done in different periods. Some of the seized fake or banned products were also expired.
During the operation, Police also intercepted a vehicle believed to have been stolen from Netherlands, illicit drugs, as well as a suspect involved in human trafficking activities.
On top of fighting against counterfeited products, Usalama II also promotes coordination against crossborder crimes including human trafficking, vehicle thefts, illicit drugs Terrorism and more, Police Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Celestin Twahirwa, said.
“A number of individuals involved in trading such counterfeits were arrested and their dossiers are still being compiled. Such operations are meant to ensure that we rid our economy of such harmful products. The business community, particularly those dealing in agricultural medicines, should verify their products before buying and circulating them among local farmers,” he said.
He commended partners that took part in the operation which he described as "successful", and called upon members of the business community to verify their products and ensure that they are genuine before paying for them.
“We call upon residents to collaborate with police through community policing and provide timely information that can facilitate such operations and contribute to protecting our economy.”
ACP Tonny Kulamba, Commissioner for Interpol at RNP HQs who presided over event noted that the operation is in line with the EAPCCO and SARPCCO meetings held previously in Kampala and Zanzibar – and is the second of its kind, following Usalama I which was conducted in May last year. He commended all stakeholders for the enormous support during the operation
Beatrice Uwumukiza, the Director General in Charge of Inspection and Certification in the Ministry of Agriculture, lauded RNP’s continued efforts to fight and prevent illicit agricultural medicines and other crimes in general.
“These agricultural medicines are not allowed on the Rwandan market while others were banned in East Africa because of their side effects both to people, soil and environment. They leave dangerous residues in crops, causing side effects on people’s lives,” Uwumukiza explaining, appealing to farmers to always verify and buy only specified medicines.
She also called upon agricultural officers at grass roots to sensitize local farmers about genuine products referring appropriate brands which are suitable to particular soils.
“Counterfeits are very harmful, not just to the economy and the environment, but to the health of people. It is therefore imperative to put words into action and work together to overcome them before they become a scourge.”
RNP has so far established the INTERPOL tool I-24/7 at all its border posts, which enables Interpol member countries, to share timely information regarding cross-border crimes and wanted criminals, it also established a unit particularly responsible for dealing with Counterfeits and pharmaceuticals.
