Rwanda National Police

A 43-year old businessman was arrested on December 19, by Police in Rutsiro District after he was found with over 400 cartons of plastic bags in his shop located in Musasa Sector, Gisiza Cell. 

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Innocent Gasasira, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, the suspect was reported by residents.

"Some residents and his customers called the Police over the suspect's continued dealings in polythene bags and also selling them goods packed in these banned non-biodegradable ," CIP Gasasira said.

"When Police officers raided his shop they recovered the 400 cartons of plastic bags and 300 rolls of sukari guru also packed in plastic bags. He was immediately arrested," he added. 

Sukari guru is also a banned sugar in Rwanda.

The spokesperson thanked the residents adding that "this is an indication that people now understand the effects of plastic bags to the environment and implementing their community policing rights."

CIP Gasasira noted that the banned bags are sneaked into the country through illegal border posts and appealed to communities living along the borders to report such people.

He further called upon the general public not to buy goods packed in plastic bags. 

 Khaki envelopes, which are environmental friendly and hygienic are used as the best packaging alternative. 

Use of plastic bags was prohibited in 2008. From then, several mechanisms including legal provisions against use of plastic bags have been adopted.

Manufacture, sell or use of polythene bags is illegal and punishable with the fine of up to Rwf3 million, but the fine can be doubled if it relapses into criminal behavior.

Using polythene bags attracts a fine of up to Rwf100, 000, but in case the person repeats the offence, the penalty is doubled.