Praedial larceny squad makes 21 arrests after 60,000 farm visits

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ravi Ratiram says the Praedial Larceny Squad has made 21 arrests and secured about six convictions following 60,000 farm visits.

Ratiram made the disclosure during today’s sitting of Parliament’s Standing Finance Committee, where he outlined the squad’s efforts to tackle theft from farmers and improve its operational capacity.

“Out of the 60,000 farm visits, I can comfortably tell you that we have had 21 arrests during the period,” Ratiram said.

“We have had some convictions as well. I think it might be in the vicinity of around six convictions out of that.”

He said the squad’s fleet had increased from one vehicle to nine, allowing officers to conduct more patrols.

“So persons who would have been involved in foolishness outside there are to take note that the Praedial Larceny Squad no longer have one vehicle,” Ratiram said.

“They no longer sit in the station without the ability to patrol. They are outside patrolling the areas.”

Ratiram also announced plans to introduce drone surveillance and an air support unit to strengthen the squad’s operations.

“We will soon be introducing drone surveillance and air support unit to support the Praedial Larceny Squad, where we will be using the technology to enhance the agricultural sector,” he said.

Ratiram added that the technology would help improve the efficiency of the squad’s operations.

During the committee proceedings, Opposition MP for Arouca/Lopinot Marvin Gonzales asked whether any of the arrests involved unregistered migrants accused of entering farmers’ properties and stealing vegetables and other crops.

Ratiram confirmed that some arrests involved unregistered migrants, responding “yes” when asked whether the squad’s operations had resulted in arrests connected to the issue.