Police arrest banned plastic dealers at Buea Central Market

Some three dealers in non- biodegradable plastic bags were on Tuesday, November 25, 2014, arrested by the police working in partnership with officials of the Regional Delegation of the Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development at the Buea Central market.

The plastic bag suppliers were arrested for resisting members of the Regional Delegation of Environment, from confiscating two bags containing non-bio degradable plastic bags in a bid to rid market of these plastics.

The staff of the Regional Delegation of Environment then solicited the help of the forces of law and order,who came and arrested the dealers alongside their products. The plastic bags were later destroyed at the premises of the Regional Delegation of Environment and Nature Protection.

Speaking after the incident, the Southwest Regional Delegate of the Environment and Nature Protection, Set Ekwadi, saidhe was amazed that the population is still selling non-biodegradable plastics, despite the numerous healthand environmental problems caused by these plastic bags.

“Until they understand and stop the use of this type of plastics, we will not stop to arrest those involved in the distribution.” Ekwadi stated.

The Delegate said the law, provides that defaulters pay a fine ranging from FCFA 4,000 to a million when caught in possession of plastic bags.

Jacquelin Mobomlinou, one of those who were arrested was asked to pay FCFA 25,000, without which she will be taken to Court.

Asked why she was still selling plastic bags that have been banned by the Government, Mobomlinou pleaded with the Regional Delegation to free her and promised never to sell them again. “I Promise never to sell them again from this day onwards.”

Sikuitang Ambe, who was also arrested, said “despite the fact that I sell these plastics, I don’t enjoy what I do.”

According to the Chief of Services for the follow-up of Environment and Social Management Plan, Hans FonwebanNjoka, the move is to completely destroy all plastic bags and ensure that Government decision is respected.

Njoka maintained that all defaulters will be served with a report of offense for them to acknowledge that they were the ones who supplied the plastics.

“They will sign an undertaking that they will not supply plastics again, and will pay a fine according to the quantity of plastics they are found with.” He advised the population to use plastics which are environmentally friendly to avoid problems.

“There are plastics that are authorised, those supplied by O.K plastics, these plastics are above 60 microns” he said.

Members of the Regional Delegation of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development said they are targeting those who the suppliers buy from.