Minor among 4 persons arrested following seizure of 280 illegal gas cylinders in Hanover

A minor is among four persons arrested by the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigations Branch (C-TOC) following the seizure of 280 illegal gas cylinders in Hanover on Tuesday.

The operation carried out by C-TOC’s Intellectual Property Unit also resulted in the discovery of an unauthorized 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, 39-year-old Jasimar Peddie both of Ridge Mount Gardens, 60-year-old truck driver, Errol Smith of Haughton Court in Lucea and a 17-year-old  of Richmond District, all in Hanover.

Reports are that at about 5:00p.m., Tuesday, 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.

He noted that improper gas cylinder filling techniques often bypass critical safety checks, putting lives and property at grave risk.

Superintendent Barrett also underscored that faulty seals can lead to dangerous gas leaks, and that unregulated plants pose a serious threat to soil and water resources.

He strongly warned that all individuals should immediately stop the practice.

Those charged are scheduled to appear in the  Hanover Parish Court on Tuesday, February 24.