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Kinyarwanda
Seven people have been arrested in Burera District with 801 cartons (160200 pieces) of banned polythene bags.
Police said the traffickers were intercepted in Cyanika Sector, Kamanyana Cell in Majyambere Village with consignments of the banned non-biodegradable bags after sneaking them into the country from Uganda through a porous border.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region, identified the suspects as; Drothee Mukandayisenga, 26, Emeritha Nyirazaninka, 26, Chantal Murekatete, 27, and Nadine Uwineza, 23.
Other suspects are Theodette Uwamahoro, 40, Clemantine Uwineza, 32, and Claire Nyirabuki, 42.
“Security personnel in Burera had earlier received information about people entering the country through an illegal border post with consignments of smuggled goods,” CIP Rugigana said.
“During their patrol, they intercepted the seven suspects with 160200 pieces of plastic bags in 801 cartons."
"They had hired someone to carry them from Uganda. When they saw security personnel they tried to deviate from their routine routes but they were pursued and arrested,” he added.
The spokesperson said that they smuggle the plastic bags from Uganda and sell them in Burera, Musanze and Nyabihu districts.
He further thanked residents, who provided information on the unlawful acts and urged those involved to refrain from the acts.
He further urged the public to use the alternative hygienic and environmental friendly packaging bag.
Under article 10 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 states that any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items, is liable to the 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.
