Police in Bugesera District on Monday arrested two men for allegedly trafficking to Uganda a local plant locally known as Umushikiri used in the production of perfume.Umushikiri, which is mainly found in the Eastern Province, is a major raw material in the production of perfume and lotions.The suspects names withheld were arrested in Ngeruka Sector, Ngeruka cell in Binyonjwe village at around 1 .00 am by Police night patrol with two tonnes of the plant.They are currently detained at Nyamata Police station.Police also impounded a vehicle registration number RAA 693D, Fuso type which the suspects were using to transport the species to Nyagatare.According to police investigations, the tree stumps are smuggled via porous borders in Nyagatare District and sold in Uganda, before they are exported to Asian countries, especially Malaysia.Their arrest comes a week after another truck carrying about six tonnes of the plant was also impounded in Gatsibo District, and one person arrested.Mid last month, two trucks were also impounded in the Eastern Province The cutting and trafficking of the species is punishable under article 412 of the organic law on the demolition and environmental degradation, whose sentence ranges from six months to three years and a fine of Rwf200, 000 to Rwf3million.Police Spokesperson, Supt. Theos Badege said that measures have been devised to partner with all concerned institutions to protect the environment and appealed to the community to join the campaign.“Preserving the environment is also protecting lives…and everyone should stand up to protect nature,” said Badege.He appealed to drivers to be vigilant and to know the kind of job they are being offered, not to fall victims of ignorance.
