Prosecutors from the Department of Environment are working on court cases in relation to the use of banned plastics.

This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary for Environment Joshua Wycliffe yesterday.

“We did some spot checks in Suva and Nadi and one of the things we have been able to do is take some offending parties,” he said.

“Most recently we have been able to take three to four people for prosecution.

“Prosecutors within the department of environment have taken up these cases and are preparing files for these offending parties to be prosecuted.

Mr Wycliffe said he would not disclose the names of the businesses and individuals at this stage, but action is on in terms of prosecuting them.

“Once they are prosecuted we will be able to disclose the parties who are convicted of these offences.

“This will help raise awareness in terms of using plastics and Styrofoam as well.”

According to the Environment Management Act, a person who manufactures a plastic bag commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding seven years or both

A person who sells, supplies or distributes a plastic bag to another person or makes a plastic bag available to a customer for carrying goods purchased, or to be purchased, from a retailer, commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.

A person who sells, supplies or distributes a polystyrene product to another person or makes a polystyrene product available to a customer for carrying goods purchased, to be purchased, from a retailer commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.

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