These bootleg DVDs and CDs were seized during a sting operation by the Flying Squad last Friday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Despite receiving an uncomplimentary ranking by the United States for its efforts to battle piracy of intellectual property, the Jamaica Constabulary Force is claiming strides in tackling the crime.

More than 70 cases have been prosecuted since January and dozens of people arrested and charged for breaches of the Copyright Act.

According to police, the proceeds from piracy are sometimes used to fund organised crimes.

Under the Copyright Act, persons found guilty of reproducing patented material without consent of the author or creator, with the intent to sell the material, can be fined as much as $100,000 for each offence or serve a two-year prison sentence.

Stepping up efforts

In the latest sting operation, police seized over 700 copies of illegal DVDs and CDs on Friday in Guy's Hill, St. Catherine.

One man was arrested and charged during the operation for breaches of the Copyright Act. He was identified as Sean Farquharson, the 23-year-old operator of People's Wholesale in the district.

Superintendent Devon Watkis, head of the Organised Crime Investigation Division, said while some offenders have been employing strategies toavoid arrest and prosecution, he is warning them that the police have now put systems in place to catch these offenders and will be stepping up efforts to do so.

"Persons involved in piracy, and who are bent on competing with the law and continue production of these illegal DVDs will (be caught)," said Superintendent Watkis.

A report produced earlier this month by the United States Office of the Trade Representative gave the country a tier-two ranking, and chided the government for what it described as a slow move to reform legislation regarding patents and designs.

Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, under whose purview intellectual property falls, said in response to the report that the legislation was still in its consultancy stage but would be passed by year-end.