Members of the St Catherine North Street Crime Unit and the Municipal police swooped down and confiscated 30 handcarts from areas surrounding the Princess Market in Spanish Town on Saturday.

The operation, which started about 9 a.m., saw handcart operators trying to drive away from the authorities. In the end, the police took a number of persons into custody.

The police said the operation was aimed at ridding the streets of illegal vending in Spanish Town.

born fi lose

It was a very busy day for the handcart operators, most of whom were selling goods that should be peddled in the market.

"Bwoy we born fi lose. Look at all of the things we buy fi ketch di weekend sale. Now everyting gone wid now, one handcart vendor said.

Some handcart vendors in order to avoid the police dragnet made quick diversions while others were ordered to push the carts, mostly laden with vegetable, fruits and ground provisions, into the nearby market.

Many told THE STAR they have no choice and will eventually have to start using the market. Others, however, question why they can't sell anywhere as long as they pay their dues. "Why di parish council collecting money from wi if dem ago ha**** wi every chance dem get," a vendor remarked.

"The market can hold all the vendors. Moreover,it is not fair for others to be inside while persons with carts sell all five times the amount of goods," a St Catherine Parish Council representative said.

When THE STAR checked with the Spanish Town police, it was revealed that the operation will be ongoing.

The police told THE STAR that 18 persons were arrested and charged with breaches of the Main Road Act for exposing goods for sale.

The police said the aim is to free up pedestrian and vehicular traffic along Cumberland Road, Manchester, Young and French streets, which are located close to the market.