Several targeted operations conducted countrywide by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in partnership with Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) have seized an assortment of counterfeit and expired veterinary drugs.
The drugs that found their way on the market or kept on the shelves yet expired are valued at a tune of Rwf24.9million.
RIB also arrested three people in connection with distribution and sell of counterfeit and expired drugs.
According to the acting Director General of Crime Intelligence and Counterterrorism at RIB, Peter Karake, RIB acted on information that there were substandard veterinary products on the market, to mount the operations.
“We appeal to the public to be vigilant and always consult with the veterinarians for guidance while buying such products to avoid use of counterfeit products which could be harmful to their livestock and their lives. We also established a team that is still investigating the matter and won't stop until we wipe out these products on the market,” he said.
He also thanked those that provided information that led to the arrest of counterfeit dealers and the closure of outlets including pharmacies and stores that were dealing in such products.
Of these drugs include brand names like; Lava 200ws, Lava (100ml), Lava (500ml), Lava (1l), Fukkil, Amitix, Bolivita bolus, Oblet Gynecologique, Insecticide, Rapid gro, Carbesia, and Lick Malic bloc a Lecher.
Meanwhile the Veterinary Inspector RAB, Dr Claude Rukundo linked the recent cattle death to the seized substances saying that some farmer bought expired or counterfeit veterinary products to spray on their cows against ticks but because the products were substandard, the cows were vulnerable to diseases spread by ticks and eventually died.
“We thank RIB for operations to put an end to this illegal and dangerous trade that was claiming livestock and people’s lives” said Dr Rukundo.
The three arrested suspects risk a jail sentence ranging from six month to two years and a fine ranging from Rwf 1 million to Rwf 5 million or one of these penalties as stipulated in article 598 of the penal code.
