Police have arrested a 43-year-old man in Nyarugenge District, who was supplying assorted outlawed skin bleaching cosmetics. In an operation, Police recovered 4792 pieces of the banned creams and oils in his shop located in the commercial centre in Nyarurembo village, Kiyovu cell of Nyarugenge sector.
The seized skin whitening products include Beauti, Paw paw, Caro light, Éclair 600, Extra Claire, Epiderme Crème, Totem, Infini Clear and Diproson; which are listed among 1,342 cream and oil brands with hydroquinone and mercury, and prohibited in Rwanda.
Mercury and hydroquinone can cause liver damage, reduce resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, and increase anxiety, according to the World Health Organization. If it enters the bloodstream, it also results into fatal liver and kidney damage, although medics say the most immediate visible side effect is skin scarring.
Health experts confirm that prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and lotions can also decrease levels of collagen in the skin. Collagen strengthens and supports the skin, and a reduced amount can increase the risk of striae commonly known as stretch mark.
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga warned of continuous operations against those who supply and sell such banned harmful products.
“This is part of ongoing operations conducted jointly by the Police, local authorities and other law enforcement organs to fight fraud, smuggling and substandard products,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He cautioned the business community and particularly those dealing in cosmetics, to desist from selling illegal or harmful products.
Article 266 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who produces, sells, or prescribes harmful products; cosmetics or body hygiene substance or 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 Frw3 million and not more than Frw5 million or one of these penalties.
Article 266 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who produces, sells, or prescribes harmful products; cosmetics or body hygiene substance or 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 Frw3 million and not more than Frw5 million or one of these penalties. (End)