Twelve business operators in St. James have been charged for breaches of the plastic ban.

They were charged by the National Environment and Planning Agency, NEPA.

Reports are that on varying days last month, the businesses were allegedly seen in possession of commercial quantities of drinking straws attached to juice or drink boxes and single-use plastic bags made wholly or in part of polyethylene or polypropylene plastic with dimensions 24 by 24 inches, and thickness less than 2.5 mils.

NEPA‘s Legal and Enforcement Director Morjorn Wallock explained that the charges are a result of Operation Restore Paradise, a collaborative effort amongst several government partners to include the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The matters will be heard in the St. James Parish Court, tomorrow (October 5).

Persons are being reminded that under the natural resources conservation authority prohibition order, it is an offence to import, distribute or use single-use plastic bags with dimensions not exceeding 24 by 24 inches and 2 point 5 mils in thickness.

The ban also extends to plastic drinking straws, plastic straws affixed to box juices and drink pouches, and the importation, manufacture, distribution, and use of expanded polystyrene foam products.