The police say detectives assigned to the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division (NSAD) within the Specialized Investigation Branch (SIB) have arrested five additional drivers employed by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) for the offences of embezzlement and failing to issue tickets to passengers in separate incidents.

The drivers were apprehended in connection with these offences.

• Paul Hall, 59, of Woodwind Way, Waterford, St. Catherine
• Andrew Bird, 58, of Lascevelles Avenue, Kingston 2
• Forty-three-year-old Jason Blackwood of Caymanas Garden, Gregory Park, St. Catherine
• Elvis Simms, a 62-year-old native of Knockpatrick Road, Waterford, St. Catherine
• Marlon Barnett, 52, of Albion Heights, St. Thomas

Reports indicate that between February 11 and March 17, the accused, while performing their duties as bus drivers, collected bus fares from passengers on behalf of the company. However, they failed to issue electronic receipts to account for the transactions.

Investigations further revealed that upon completion of their shifts, the drivers failed to hand over the collected monies to the JUTC.

A report was made to the police, and an investigation was launched. The accused were subsequently arrested and charged in connection with these separate incidents.