Police have impounded an assortment of counterfeit agricultural chemicals, including pesticides, sprays and fertilisers which had penetrated the Rwandan market. The products valued at US$16,000, (aboutRwf11.4 million) were intercepted during a two-day Police operation code-named Usalama 2 carried out across the country between June 4 and 5. Sellers of the fake products targeted farmers, cooperatives and traders. The operation was initiated and conducted simultaneously in the Eastern and Southern Africa regions (EAPCCO and SARPCCO) member countries. The idea to conduct the operation at the same time was to deny criminals chance to escape operations from one region to another, Police noted. Some of the seized fake or banned products were also expired. During the operation, Police also intercepted a vehicle believed to have been stolen from Netherlands, illicit drugs, as well as a suspect involved in human trafficking activities. On top of fighting against counterfeited products, Usalama II also promotes coordination against cross-border crimes including human trafficking, vehicle thefts, illicit drugs and terrorism, Police Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Celestin Twahirwa, said. “A number of individuals involved in trading such counterfeits were arrested and their dossiers are still being compiled. Such operations are meant to ensure that we rid our economy of such harmful products. The business community, particularly those dealing in pesticides should verify their products before buying and circulating them among local farmers.” He commended partners that took part in the operation which he described as successful. He called upon members of the business community to verify their products and ensure that they are genuine before paying for them. “We call upon residents to collaborate with police through community policing and provide timely information that can facilitate such operations and contribute to protecting our economy.” ACP Tonny Kulamba, Commissioner for Interpol at RNP noted that the operation is in line with the EAPCCO and SARPCCO meetings held previously in Kampala and Zanzibar – and is the second of its kind, following Usalama I which was conducted in May last year. He commended all stakeholders for the enormous support during the operation. Beatrice Uwumukiza, the Director General in Charge of Inspection and Certification in the Ministry of Agriculture, lauded Police efforts to fight and prevent circulation of illicit products. “These [counterfeit] drugs are not allowed on the Rwandan market while others were banned in East Africa because of their side effects both to people, soil and environment. They leave dangerous residues in crops, causing side effects on people’s lives,” Uwumukiza explained. She advised farmers to always verify and buy only specified drugs. She also called upon agricultural officers at grassroots to sensitise local farmers about genuine fertiliser brands which are suitable to particular soils. “Counterfeits are very harmful, not just to the economy and the environment, but to people’s health. It is therefore imperative to put words into action and work together.” RNP has established the INTERPOL tool I-24/7 at all its border posts, which enables Interpol member countries, to share timely information regarding cross-border crimes and wanted criminals. It also established a unit particularly responsible for dealing with counterfeits and pharmaceuticals.
