The police have imposed a 48-hour curfew in Quick Step, St Elizabeth and its environs as they probe the recent theft of lumber, estimated to be of significant value, from the Forestry Reserves near Accompong.

The curfew includes the Pullet Hall main road and the Forest Reserves.

The police say the security measure aims to ensure the safety and security of residents of the community while the Jamaica Constabulary Force conducts investigations into the theft of government property, abduction, and obstruction of forest agents who were on duty in the area on the weekend.

Residents are encouraged to remain calm, stay indoors and cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities.

The police had indicated that the illegal activity has resulted in substantial environmental and economic loss and endangered the lives and safety of state agents and members of the wider community.

On Friday, agents from the Forestry Department discovered and seized piles of illegally harvested mahogany lumber approximately eight miles from Quick Step.

"Unfortunately, their efforts were obstructed by roadblocks and aggressive actions from unidentified individuals, culminating in the abduction and obstruction of these state agents. This blatant disregard for the law and the safety of public servants is intolerable. It is imperative to understand that these actions are criminal offences against the State," the JCF Corporate Communications Unit said in a media release on Sunday.

READ: Forestry Department says lumber seized in Trelawny was being harvested illegally [2]

It said the individuals responsible for these "heinous acts" will be identified and brought to justice.

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