Rwanda National Police

On Friday, January 14, Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with local leaders arrested one Cassian Nkezabera, 50, in Gitunu Village, Karambi Cell, Kigoma Sector of Huye District with 54 cartons (10,800 pieces) of non-biodegradable plastic bags.

The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said that the arrest of Nkezabera followed a tip-off by local residents.

"Police got information on Friday, at about 2pm, from residents that Nkezabera, a suspected major dealer in plastic bags who suppliers mainly traders in Kigoma sector, had brought a new consignment of the banned polythene bags. Police responded to the information and found him in his shop located in Karambi trading center with 54 cartons of plastic bags in the shelves," SP Kanamugire said.

According to Nkezabera, he was also supplied by another major dealer in the non-refundable products operating in a place called Gasarenda, but did not disclose the identities of his alleged supplier.

SP Kanamugire commended residents, who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspect and seizure of outlawed products.

He further warned against selling plastic bags due to their ill-effects to the environment.
 
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are 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.

In article 10, 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 the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.

In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Frw700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.

In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Frw300, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags. plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.