Law enforcement authorities have laid charges against four individuals, including a 17-year-old, following the dismantling of an unlawful cooking gas operation in Lucea, Hanover.
Those charged are 34-year-old Kymani Peddie, 39-year-old Jasimar Peddie, 60-year-old Errol Smith, along with a teenage boy whose identity is being withheld because of his age.
The charges stem from a targeted operation conducted on Tuesday by the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), through its Intellectual Property Unit. During the exercise, officers seized approximately 280 cooking gas cylinders believed to be operating outside legal requirements.
Police reported that a motor truck transporting the cylinders was intercepted in Lucea. An inspection of the vehicle revealed that several of the containers did not have the mandatory safety seals.
Further investigations led officers to the Copperwood district, where a facility was found allegedly filling and distributing branded gas cylinders belonging to other registered rights holders without authorisation.
Authorities estimate the value of the seized items at approximately $1.5 million. As a result, the four accused have been charged with unauthorised use of trademark, engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct, and breaches under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The accused are scheduled to appear before the Hanover Parish Court on Tuesday, February 24.







