Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested 67 business people over substandard products.
Thierry Murangira, RIB's spokesperson said the operation dubbed "Usalama IX” in which the suspects were arrested was carried out from August 14 to 18, 2023 in partnership with Rwanda National Police, Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Rwanda and Food Drugs Authority, Rwanda Consumer and Protection Authority, Rwanda Standard Board, Migration office, REG, Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, Private sector Federation and others.
The operation is an initiative of the East Africa Police Regional Organization in partnership with International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
The seized foods, beverages and other goods are substandard, counterfeited and illegally traded. Murangira said the value of impounded goods is equivalent to Rwf100.4 million. Some goods worth Rwf61.4 million were destroyed.
"At least 67 people have been arrested and are detained at different RIB stations as we file cases for prosecution," he said.
Among those arrested, he said, 29 are Rwandans and 38 foreigners.
The foreigners include 19 from Tanzania, one from Sudan, two from Turkey, six from Nigeria, five from Chad, two from Uganda, one from Congo, one from Ethiopia and one from Malawi.
The impounded goods include expired and substandard food products worth Rwf36.2 million, beverages worth Rwf13.2 million, cosmetics worth Rwf333, 000 as well as pharmaceuticals valued at Rwf1.4 million
The operation also seized minerals illegally mined worth Rwf18.5 million. Substandard ICT equipment worth Rwf1.8 million was also seized. The operation seized plastics worth Rwf13 million and construction materials with a value of Rwf7.5 million. Illegal garments dealers were fined Rwf793, 200.
Liquor, beers with a value of approximately Rwf1m, marijuana and drugs worth Rwf891, 000 were also seized.
"In order to discourage the illegal activities, different measures were taken. These include fines, closure of factories and arresting the suspects," Murangira said.
Some goods were also destroyed as dealers were charged with Rwf43.7 million in fines.
The closed and fined pharmacies over expired products include Medlink Pharmacy in Rubavu District, Bahati Pascasie and Habimana Emmanuel pharmacies in Gasabo District.
The closed factories include Gatatu Investment Group in Musanze, Kambali Jean Ltd (imitating Mugurusu products) in Kamonyi, Zubu Ziro One Ltd, Keti Salim Ltd, Flourish Water Ltd in Gasabo and Rwakagabo Godhard, a local alcohol manufacturing company.
The fined factories include Jeremy bread company Ltd, Sina Gerald Enterprise, MMED Ltd, Good care Hardware shop, Green Farm Supply Lt ,Ritiver Paint Ltd , Light Drink Ltd , Cotomu Flour Ltd ,Neza Supermarket and Bwuje Company Ltd.