Distributor of food parcels arrested 6 accomplices also in jail

5 soldiers and 2 citizens on Thursday night were arrested and charged with stealing food parcels from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing (Sozavo). Police reports indicate that Errol V (44), Joachim N (26), Fabian A (30), Jurmain W (40) and 51-year-old Carlo B are currently in the custody of the Military Police while the 2 citizens, Radjkoemar R (51) and Lucien L (44) are in jail at the Munder Police Station. The police reports also indicate that the stolen food parcels that were recovered have an estimated value of more than SRD 1 million. Sources told Times of Suriname that President Desi Bouterse was also informed of the arrests. At a recent rally at the main office of his political party, Bouterse had revealed that food parcels were being stolen. On one hand the president is relieved to hear that investigators have shed some light on the thefts but on the other hand he is extremely disappointed to hear that people are selling food parcels that are intended for the poor. The head of state also deemed it regrettable that soldiers and citizens are behind the thefts. Corporal Anand Debisaroen from the Military Police confirmed the arrests and indicated that one of the soldiers had been tasked with the distribution of the food parcels and that 4 of his colleagues who work at the air force helped him to transport, unload and sell the food parcels. Debisaroen pointed out that the MP received a tip that food parcels were being sold at an address located along the Abenistraat at De Boerbuiten. The MP and the police then raided the house and arrested 7 suspects. One of the citizens is reportedly the owner of the house where the food parcels where being stored . The other citizen also helped to sell the food parcels. The MP and the police reportedly recovered and confiscated about 100 food parcels. The suspects reportedly sold each food parcel for SRD 70. Each food parcel contained various items such as toilet paper, chicken leg quarters, toothpaste, soap, onions, garlic and cooking oil. All of the 7 suspects were at the location when the MP and the police raided the house. They were clearly taken by surprise and did not resist arrest.