Teen among four arrested and charged in illegal cooking gas bust in Hanover

Detectives assigned to the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (C-TOC) have seized 280 illegal gas cylinders and arrested and charged four individuals, including a teen boy, following a multi-agency operation targeting an illegal cooking gas distribution operation in Hanover.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday by C-TOC’s Intellectual Property Unit and resulted in the seizure of the cylinders and the discovery of an unauthorised filling plant.

Charged with offences including unauthorised use of a 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, Lucea; and a 17-year-old boy of Richmond district, all in Hanover.

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

The police report that about 5:00 p.m., cops intercepted a motor truck in Lucea, Hanover carrying gas cylinders.

An inspection of the vehicle revealed that several cylinders lacked the required safety seals, the police reported.

According to the police, follow-up investigations led officers 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 approximately $1.5 million, police said.

Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of C-TOC is appealing to the public to purchase cooking gas only from authorised sellers and dealers, stressing that failure to do so can result in serious risks.

“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,” Barrett said.

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