January 13th, 2024:- The Praedial Larceny Squad (PLS), a vital Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries dedicated to protecting the nation’s food supply, has yet again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to eradicating agricultural theft. In a series of rapid and successful operations, the Squad has apprehended two suspected thieves, reinforcing its pivotal role in safeguarding farmers and their livelihoods.
Triumph in Sangre Grande Operation: Following the recent arrest of a larceny suspect in Arima, the PLS, led by Sergeant Jeffers and a formidable team, including Corporals Weekes and Phillip, Police Constables Rostant, Archibald, Karamath, Carrera, Emmons, and Woman Police Constables Kirk and Stewart, swiftly mobilized for another operation in Sangre Grande. Acting on intelligence from vigilant farmers, the Squad descended upon the Eastern Main Road, engaging roadside vendors in interviews to verify the lawful acquisition of agricultural produce.
During the operation, a man in possession of nearly 1000 portugals and other fruits was apprehended when he failed to provide a satisfactory account of how he obtained the produce. The detained individual, a 59-year-old man of Matura, was promptly charged by PC Archibald and granted bail with surety set at $20,000. He is scheduled to appear before a Sangre Grande Magistrate on January 18th.
Continued Success in Blanchisseuse Road Operation: In a separate operation on Blanchisseuse Road, Arima, the PLS successfully apprehended Siew Persad Ramdass on January 8th, 2024. The arrest followed weeks of complaints from residents about stolen produce, culminating in the identification and capture of the suspect by the Northeastern Unit at Farm Road in St. Joseph.
Ramdass, a repeat offender with a history of previous convictions for praedial larceny, was apprehended in a forested area after being reported by a resident. Some of the pilfered fruits were recovered.
On January 9th, 2024, Ramdass pleaded guilty to charges of being found on cultivated lands and larceny of agricultural produce under Sections 41 (1) and 23 (1) (a) of the Summary Offences Act, respectively. With eleven prior convictions, he was sentenced to six (6) months hard labour for being found on cultivated lands, and nine (9) months hard labour for being in possession of the agricultural produce. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The PLS remains steadfast in its mission to combat agricultural theft, ensuring the safety and security of farmers and the nation’s food supply.
For further information, please contact:
The Corporate Communications Unit
Tel: 220-MALF (6253) ext. 4016 / 4066
Email: comms.malf@gov.tt
-END-
PLS Officers: Front, centre: Sgt Jeffers and PC Ramjattan | Back row (left to right): WPC Peters, Cpl De Peza, PC Holder, PC Diaz, PC Thomas and PC Haynes
