Crackdown on illegal activities in markets

ALMOST a year after police seized alcohol and other illegal items being sold at the Central Market, Port of Spain, vendors are being warned not to peddle illegal substances there.

Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein yesterday warned that municipal police officers, along with the regular police, will be going into the markets in the 14 corporations to crack down on vendors using the markets as a front for illegal activities. He said the items will be seized and they will be charged and fined or imprisoned.

As he outlined projects, plans and proposals for fiscal 2018-2019 for the ministry at City Auditorium, San Fernando, yesterday, Hosein said he has received reports about illegal drugs and alcohol being sold in the markets and intends to act on them.

He got support from Port of Spain mayor Joel Martinez, who was among mayors, chairmen, CEOs and councillors who attended the planning meeting.

Martinez said while there have not been any recent reports, the corporation has asked for police to patrol the market to ensure people are not using it for illegal activities.

“The market is really a place to sell produce, a place for families to shop. We want to find a way to bring families back to the market space. We want to keep the market clean: no selling of produce on the ground, fish must be sold on ice. Public Health officials have to be alert to ensure that produce affected by the recent floods does not seep into the market (via) some unscrupulous farmers.”

Hosein said with the passing-out of the first batch of 200 municipal police officers next week, more will be assigned to the markets along with litter wardens, and he will be making surprise visits to the markets to ensure they are kept clean.

He also called for local government representatives to ensure cemeteries, play parks, drains and roadsides are kept clean.

He said he has also written to San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello to stop the sale of vegetables on High Street.