NEMA seizes 1.7 tonnes of banned plastic bags in Mombasa

Police in Mombasa on Sunday nabbed 1.7 tonnes of plastic bags that had allegedly been transported from Tanzania.

Head of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Mombasa Stephen Wambua said the banned carrier bags were seized at Mwembe Tayari area while being offloaded from a bus that had arrived from Tanzania.

The banned plastic bags were in 17 bales and had been concealed using the new biodegradable bags and stashed in sacks.

The NEMA boss said police were on the hunt for a suspect believed to have imported the bags from the neighbouring country.

“We impounded 17 bales of plastic bags which were found to have been offloaded at the Simba Coach Offices at Mwembe tayari. Each bale is estimated to contain over 500,000 pieces,” said Mr Wambua.

He urged bus operators to ensure they inspect the luggage they are transporting.

The plastic bags were taken to Central Police Station in Mombasa.