Copper theft sparks scrap-metal crackdown

(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has issued a stern warning to scrap-metal dealers and the wider public following the theft and attempted sale of some $1.6 million in copper cable stolen from the Demerara River Bridge.

The Ministry said the individuals linked to the incident were not licensed scrap-metal dealers, and warned that anyone involved in the illegal purchase, sale or movement of stolen copper will face the full force of the law. “The persons identified in connection with the incident were not licensed scrap-metal dealers,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It further disclosed that the individual who allegedly purchased the stolen copper and is currently on bail is a repeat offender, having been implicated in a similar incident earlier this year. The Ministry placed all licensed dealers on notice that there will be zero tolerance for dealing in stolen metal.