C-TOC CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL COOKING GAS OPERATION IN HANOVER, FOUR CHARGED
Detectives assigned to the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (C-TOC) seized 280 illegal gas cylinders and arrested four persons, including a minor, following a multi-agency operation targeting illegal cooking gas distribution in Hanover on Tuesday, January 6.
The operation was carried out by C-TOC’s Intellectual Property Unit which resulted in the seizure of the cylinders and the discovery of an unauthorised filling plant.
Charged with the offences of Unauthorised Use of Trademark, Misleading and Deceptive Conduct and breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act are 34-year-old Kymani Peddie of Ridge Mount Gardens, 39-year-old Jasimar Peddie of Ridge Mount Gardens, 60-year-old truck driver, Errol Smith of Haughton Court in Lucea and a 17-year-old boy of Richmond district, all in Hanover.
Reports are that at about 5:00 p.m., police intercepted a motor truck in Lucea, Hanover, carrying gas cylinders. An inspection of the vehicle revealed that several cylinders lacked the required safety seals. Follow-up investigations took police to Copperwood district in Lucea, where they discovered a plant illegally filling and selling branded cylinders owned by other rights holders. The seized goods are valued at $1.5 million JMD.
Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of C-TOC is appealing to citizens to purchase cooking gas only from authorised sellers and dealers, stressing that failure to do so can result in severe risk.
“Improper gas cylinder filling techniques often bypass critical safety checks, putting lives and property at grave risk. Faulty seals can lead to dangerous gas leaks, and unregulated plants pose a serious threat to our soil and water resources. We strongly warn all individuals to immediately stop this practice,” said Superintendent Barrett.
They are scheduled to appear in Hanover Parish Court on Tuesday, February 24.
