Poisoned ginger seized at Arima market

The Arima Market had to be temporarily shut down on Saturday after police were called in to investigate the distribution and sale of poisoned ginger which had been stolen from a farmer in Paramin.

CEO of the Arima Borough Corporation Cheryl Sirju-Chong made the order to close the market and seize the contaminated produce.

Some vendors suggested that checks should also be made at other markets and supermarkets to make sure the contaminated ginger was not being sold there.

According to police, around 6 pm on Thursday, thieves carted off five crocus bags of ginger from Steve Pierre.

Pierre said he had sprayed an insecticide on the ginger heads which were being prepared to be planted.

"I put it in the ginger for the insects. It's a mixture that I use with other things. So when the insects come, they won't humbug it. That's what I do. I'm a farmer."

Pierre estimates the loss to be approximately $10,000. Ginger is sold for an average price of $25 on the wholesale market.

Police are checking that other places are not selling the contaminated ginger.