Rwanda National Police

A suspected smuggler identified as Juvens Habimana, 30, was arrested on Wednesday April 6, in Muhanga District with 1,881 cartons (376,200 pieces) of banned non-biodegradable polythene bags and 33 weighing scales.

Habimana had sneaked the goods into Rwanda from Uganda, according to Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Southern region Police spokesperson.

The goods were recovered at his store located in Rutenga Village, Gahogo Cell, Nyamabuye Sector, he added.

"Habimana was a suspected major dealer in polythene bags and other smuggled goods, which he was sneaking into Rwanda from Uganda," SP Kanamugire said.

"On Wednesday, following information that he had brought new consignments, Police went to a house it suspected to be his store, where  1881 cartons (376,200 pieces) of polythene bags and 33 weighing scales were recovered, and Habimana taken into custody,? he added.

Investigations indicate that Habimana was one of the main suppliers of the outlawed plastic bags to traders in Muhanga, Nyanza, Ruhango and Huye districts.

SP Kanamugire commended residents, who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspect and seizure of the illicit and smuggled goods.

He further warned against selling plastic bags, which were banned in Rwanda due to their ill-effects on the environment and people's health.
 
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 three hundred thousand Rwandan francs (FRW 300,000) and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.