Illicit products worth over Frw 41 million seized in FAGIA IV/OPSON VIII joint operation
Illicit, counterfeit and substandard goods worth Frw 41,879,588 were confiscated in the two day country wide operation dubbed FAGIA IV/OPSON VIII.
This operation was part of the resolutions adopted at the 16th Annual General Assembly for the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) member countries and re-affirmed at the 20th AGM held in September 2018 in Sudan. It is aimed at ridding the region of counterfeit foodstuffs, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, pharmaceuticals, electronics and other hazardous items.
The operation that took place on 13th and 14th February was conducted in collaboration with Rwanda National Police, Rwanda Standards Bureau, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda Development Board among others.
According to Rwanda Investigation Bureau’s Director General for Criminal Investigations, Jean Marie Twagirayezu, this operation was also carried out within the context reducing risks to public health.
“It was an important operation in protecting consumers’ health and I call upon the public to share information on any other counterfeit products on the market and dealers in these illegal items to be brought to book,” said the Director General during a press conference.
Article 266 of the law determining offences and penalties in general states that any person who produces, sells or prescribes prohibited substances such as drugs, harmful products, cosmetics or body hygiene substances and any other products derived from plants commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than three million Rwandan francs and not more than five million Rwandan francs or only one of these penalties.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson, CP. John Bosco Kabera told the press that the role of police is ensure that the laws put in place regarding standards of products are enforced.
“We will continue to work hand in hand with other institutions to curb the smuggling and illegal selling of these counterfeit merchandises in our markets,” he said.
The Police spokesperson reiterated that whoever is involved in trying to endanger the lives of Rwandans will not be tolerated.
Fidel Ugirimpuhwe, the Legal Advisor at Rwanda Standards Bureau pointed out that FAGIA IV/OPSON VIII joint operation revealed a breach of standards and noted that many products didn’t have a standardisation mark (S-Mark).
“We are going follow the existing laws, rules and regulations for these cases and from there, we will plan the way forward for the owners of seized products,” Ugirimpuhwe confirmed.
The Head of Food and Drugs Inspection and Safety Monitoring Department at the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Alex Gisagara warned against importation of drugs and cosmetics without a license.
“For any person to engage in food and drugs business, he or she has to acquire a license, all products either locally made or imported have to be first scientifically approved and we conduct market surveillance to ensure that standards are maintained in stores and shelves,” he noted.
