André Williams, STAR Writer

The St Ann police yesterday detained some traders behind the illicit gas ring being operating in the parish, THE STAR understands.

Information reaching our news team is that detectives in St Ann, while acting on intelligence, raided premises close to Alexandria where they discovered and confiscated approximately 25 (five-gallon bottles) of gas.

A motor car allegedly used to transport the oil was also seized in the process.

THE STAR was told that nine (55 gallon) drums as well as over 200 empty five-gallon bottles were destroyed by the police.

the mastermind

Two men, one of which is believed to be the brother of the mastermind behind the illicit trade, have been arrested and charged.

Their names are being withheld pending further investigation.

A source attached to the investigation told our news team that they are following strong leads and are close to apprehending the mastermind.

According to reports, motorists from various locations travel to the location to purchase the illegal gasolene.

The police are also warning that any member of the public caught purchasing fuel from illegal distributors would face criminal charges.

There have been reports that several truck owners contracted to the Norando Bauxite Company have complained about the loss of millions of dollars worth of gasolene taken from their premises over time.

The most recent incident, our news team was told, took place on Monday where all the petrol in the tanks of 12 trucks contracted to the Morris Hill Haulage Company was stolen.