A joint operation conducted by Rwanda National Police (RNP) and Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) across the country, seized about 2,175 cartons (435,000 pieces) of banned plastic bags.

The polythene bags were seized from 212 people, who were handed varied penalties, including fines amounting to Rwf4.5 million, according to Morris Murigo, the acting Commissioner of Criminal Intelligence Department (CID).

The Eastern Provice recorded the highest number of seized plastic bags totaling to 1,351 packets.

"We found most plastic bags in town centers, shops, bakeries, and butcheries; the public is a key player in the fight against unscrupulous people who smuggle and trade in polythene bags that threaten the environment and people’s lives,” Murigo said.

"People need to know that non-biodegradable polythene bags are banned and we caution anyone who attempst to deal in them, be it manufacturing, selling or using it...it is illegal and punishable by law.”

Rwanda banned non-biodegradable plastic bags in 2008.

"We appeal to the public to always report anyone dealing in any materials that harm the environment,” Murigo said.

The operation came in light of a recent concerns forwarded by the Director General of REMA, Eng. Coletha Ruhamya, during the recent Police-Media interaction session where she sought support from all concerned stakeholders in fighting smuggling and distribution of plastic bags.

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