Rwanda National Police (RNP) has cautioned traders against selling banned skin whitening products, which is punishable by law.
This follows separate operations in different parts of the country where scores of traders and smugglers have been arrested with assorted skin bleaching cosmetics.
In the latest operation conducted on Wednesday, February 8, in Nyagatare District, the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime department arrested two men, who had sneaked into the country the outlawed products commonly known as mukorogo, which are harmful to people’s health.
Anaclet Muhire, 28, and Fulgence Hakizayezu, 38, were intercepted in Mahoro Village, Rwimiyaga Cell of Rwimiyaga Sector with quantities of assorted skin bleaching oils and creams.
The assorted mukorogo include Claire, Dawavate, Dermasol, Diproson, Paw paw, Caro light, Clairmen, Beauty, and Epiderme crème.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that the duo was reported by residents.
“Muhire and Hakizayezu were trafficking and selling the banned skin bleaching cosmetics in their shops, where they were impounded. They said that they sneak them into Rwanda from Uganda, with the help other other people, whom they did not disclose,” SP Twizeyimana said.
They were handed over to RIB at Musheri. There are 1,342 listed cream and oil brands with hydroquinone and mercury, which are prohibited in Rwanda.
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)