KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two drivers employed by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) have been charged with multiple counts of simple larceny following separate incidents involving the theft of fuel from the company.

Charged are 34-year-old Shavay “Shabb” Brown and 38-year-old Dushaine “Shaine” Brown.

Reports are that on two occasions, Shavay diverted a JUTC bus to Chesterfield Drive in Kingston, where he extracted 100 litres of fuel.

On March 13, the JUTC bus he operated was intercepted after leaving the location where the fuel was extracted. Following an interview on Monday, March 17, he was charged with two counts of simple larceny.

Meanwhile, Dushaine was arrested on Thursday, March 20, after it was revealed that on February 17, 20 and 23, he diverted a JUTC bus to locations in Spanish Town, where over 500 litres of fuel was extracted. He was charged with three counts of simple larceny.

Agents assigned to the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigations Branch (CTOC) are investigating whether the incidents are linked to organised criminal elements.

“Fuel theft on this scale represents a significant loss to the economy and ultimately impacts all tax-paying citizens,” said Superintendent Victor Barrett of CTOC.

“We are committed to dismantling these criminal networks and ensuring the protection of public resources. We are actively pursuing all leads and anticipate further arrests as the investigation progresses,” he added.

Individuals with information that can assist with the investigation are asked to call CTOC at 876-967-1389, Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811 or the nearest police station.