Cops recover nearly $18 million in stolen agricultural produce

The Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting the recovery of more than $17.6 million worth of stolen agricultural produce, including cattle and goats, since January.

Established in 2025, the APB is charged with preventing, investigating, and combating praedial larceny (farm theft) and other agricultural crimes to protect farmers and secure national food safety. Commander for Area 3 of the APB, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tedroy Clarke, said that more than 2,200 charges have been laid against persons in connection with agricultural crimes.

Addressing the Clarendon Praedial Larceny Farmer Sensitisation meeting at the Denbigh Showground in the parish, Clarke said the APB has received more than 196 reports since January. The APB, which is headquartered in Kingston, operates across the JCF’s five Area Commands, with Area 3 comprising Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth.