A man who reportedly stole approximately $2 million worth of Cable and Wireless telephone cables and then sold them for $30,000, is now in police custody. The purchaser of the 'tainted' commodity, was also arrested and charged.

The cables were reportedly stolen from a utility pole in the Threadways area of St Catherine.

Charged with larceny is Junior Johnson, 30, while Wilber Daniel Rosales Castro, a Cuban national also of a Linstead address, has been charged with receiving stolen property.

According to Commander Vivian Sawyers of the Island Special Constabulary Force, Johnson, and another man who is being sought by the police, reportedly stole the cables, burnt them and then sold the copper to Castro. The latter operates a business in Linstead, St Catherine.

THE STAR also learnt that more than two miles of cable were taken from the pole, resulting in a loss of phone and internet service for Cable & Wireless customers in the area.

Commander Sawyers said the St Catherine North Special Operations team will continue to target persons involved in the illegal scrap metal business.

Both Castro and Johnson will appear in the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court tomorrow.