Strict legislation appears to have put a dent in the illegal cash-for-gold trade in Barbados.
That was the word from Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce, who was speaking at a meeting of the Men’s Educational Support Association at The St Michael School recently.
Noting the reduction in crime associated with the cash-for-gold trade, Boyce said a major factor appeared to have been the Precious Metals And Second-Hand Metals Act which took effect from 2013.
This legislation imposes fines of $50 000, ten years in prison, or both, on people found guilty of stealing metals such as second-hand gold, copper or other types of scrap. The act also imposes penalties on dealers who accept such property without adhering to certain strict guidelines. (SDB Media)