Crackdown Operation: 17,934 Prohibited Plastic Bags Seized

A significant operation targeting illegal plastic production unfolded on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, at precisely 11:45 AM. This decisive action was spearheaded by the Environmental Police, in collaboration with officers from the Plastic Management Division of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change, following credible intelligence received on 15 April 2025.

The operation took place within the confines of a factory located in the Military Quarter of Providence, where a staggering cache of bags, suspected to be made from non-woven polypropylene and emblazoned with the logos of well-known brands, was unearthed.

In a meticulous examination, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was conducted on samples of these bags, in the presence of the factory manager responsible for their production.

The results were unequivocal: the bags were confirmed to be composed of polypropylene (PP), categorically deemed illegal under Article 2 of the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2020.

According to Article 4 of the same regulations, it is strictly prohibited for any individual to possess, use, distribute, sell, export, import, manufacture, or supply a banned plastic bag.

In total, a staggering 17,934 non-woven polypropylene bags were seized, sealed, and secured in the presence of the factory manager, who was duly informed of the illegality of these items under the aforementioned legislation.

The confiscated bags have since been stored in the police’s evidence room, pending further investigation.

Plastic Regulations

Article 14(c) of the regulations stipulates that any person who imports, exports, or manufactures a plastic bag is committing an offence and is liable to face severe penalties, including a fine not exceeding Rs 100,000 for a first offence, escalating to a fine of up to Rs 250,000 and a prison sentence of up to two years, along with the revocation of certificates for repeat offenders.

It is noteworthy that, according to gathered intelligence, the company in question lacks a Permit for Environmental Regulation (PER) for the manufacture of plastic and plastic products.

Consequently, legal proceedings are now underway against the company for the production and possession of non-woven polypropylene bags.

The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change, in conjunction with the Environmental Police, is committed to conducting regular crackdowns to enforce the existing regulations on plastic, specifically:

-The Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2020

-The Environment Protection (Control of Single Use Plastic Products) Regulations 2020.

This operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against plastic pollution and the unwavering resolve of authorities to uphold environmental integrity.

Source: Defi Media