One dealer in polythene bags was arrested in Kinyinya village, Karambi cell of Ngarama sector, Gatsibo District, transporting about 40,000 pieces of the outlawed non-biodegradable plastic bags.

"On Monday , September 25, at about 6a.m, Police and local authorities intercepted two men in Ryeru village, Ryeru cell in Rwempasha sector, Nyagatare District, transporting 520,000 pieces of plastic bags on two motorcycles. They abandoned the motorcycles and the consignment of plastic bags, and fled," Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.

Later at about 2p.m, he added, Police and local leaders arrested a 33-year man in Ngarama, with 40,000 pieces of polythene bags. He intended to traffic them to Kigali.

Last week, Police in Nyagatare District also impounded a vehicle, which was transporting 540000 pieces of polythene bags.

SP Twizeyimana said that there are increased operations against traffickers of plastic bags and thanked the role of the public, who share information on those involved.

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 Rwf700, 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 Rwf300,000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.