National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Mombasa nabbed 17 bales of banned plastic bags on Sunday, October 21.
Cops have launched a manhunt for the owner of the consignment believed to be from Tanzania which was intercepted after the authorities received a tip from a member of the public.
Confirming the incidence, the NEMA officials said the bales were estimated to be 8.5 million pieces of the illegal plastics which were on their way to the market, an indication trade of banned plastic bags was still ongoing in the country.
“We impounded 17 bales of plastic bags which had been offloaded from a Simba Coach bus registration number KBU 343C at the Simba Coach Offices at Mwembe tayari. Each bale is estimated to contain over 500,000 pieces,” NEMA boss, Stephen Wambua, said.
The owner of the banned plastics, only identified as Issa, reportedly took off upon learning the authorities were after him and this illegal consignment was taken to Central Police Station.