From Tanzania, it was gathered that Roman Yurevich Demchenko, a Russian mineral dealer, was fined for unlawfully importing acids and other chemical substances.

According to the news reaching the desk of CEOAFRICA.com, the 41-year old was fined a total of Sh150,000 after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

The prosecution council leader and the senior State Attorney, Prosper Mwangamila and State Attorney Helen Moshi, told the court that the Russian national committed the offence last month at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Ilala District in the city. The judgement was delivered by Senior Resident Magistrate Helen Riwa at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam.

Sources said the materials brought in by the accused person includes one litre of hydrochloric acid, one litre of nitric acid and hydrochloride substances weighing 250 grammes, all without having any certificate and relevant permits.

Speaking to defend their client’s action, Gaudiosis Ishengoma and Jonathan Mbuga told the court that Mr.Demchenko was a genuine mineral dealer, who uses the chemical for verification of minerals. They also pointed out that the offences for which he was convicted carried optional sentence of either fine or a custodian punishment.