Rwanda National Police

Police in Gisagara District have seized 4,400 pieces of banned non-biodegradable plastic bags.

The polythene bags were seized recently from the trafficker identified as Gerald Ntukabumwe, 38, in Nyanza Sector. 

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, the plastic bags were seized due to information given by residents.

“Police officers were conducting their regular duties when they were informed about illegal selling of plastic bags done by this trader. When they searched his shop they found 4,400 pieces of plastic bags concealed in other goods. He was selling them and using them as package,” CIP Twajamahoro explained.

He warned against dealing in outlawed products, which is punishable by law.

“We caution anyone, who in anyway, attempts to deal in polythene bags...it is illegal to produce, sell and use them as package.” 

Manufacturing, selling and using polythene bags were outlawed in Rwanda in 2008.

He advised the public to use the available alternative packaging bags,  which are eco-friendly.

The manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.

Under article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items, is liable to dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times of the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.

In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.