Durrant Pate/Contributor

The Agricultural Protection Branch (APB), which is the anti-praedial larceny arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), has concluded a three-day tour of the St. Ann farming communities.

The tour, which was completed on September 13, was led by commanding officer Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Oral Pascoe. The tour commenced on September 11, in which SSP Pascoe personally joined the Area Two APB team, engaging agricultural stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of strict law enforcement within the agricultural sector.

Seven individuals were arrested for breaches of the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS), an identification and registration system for the Jamaican livestock population, beginning with bovine animals (cattle).

The individuals were found with animals (cattle) that were untagged and for which they could not account. SSP Pascoe commented, “Going forward, we will be prosecuting praedial larcenists and other breaches related to agricultural legislation. Our key objective is to strengthen enforcement and the compliance framework. This will protect farmers, stakeholders and enhance Jamaica’s national food security.” 

This firm stance is intended to ensure compliance with regulations governing the agricultural sector and to deter future criminal activity. The JCF continues to urge all citizens to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station.