The government is threatening to shut down Guyana’s scrap-metal trade if the purchase and sale of stolen copper continue.

The warning follows the theft of an estimated $1.6 million in copper cable from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge. The cable was allegedly sold for just $15,000.

A man has since been jailed for stealing the cable, while the businessman accused of purchasing it was released on $300,000 bail.

In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce said neither man is a licensed scrap-metal dealer. It also described the accused businessman as a repeat offender linked to a similar incident earlier this year.

The ministry said licensed dealers will face immediate cancellation of their licences if they purchase, receive, sell or otherwise handle illegally obtained copper. Prosecution could also follow.

It is also promising tougher regulatory and enforcement action against unlicensed operators and businesses involved in the trade.

But the government’s strongest warning is aimed at the industry as a whole.

The ministry said it will not hesitate to take steps to “cancel the scrap-metal trade altogether” if illegal practices continue.

The statement did not say how many further incidents could trigger an industry-wide shutdown, or how compliant businesses would be affected.

For now, the ministry says it remains committed to a lawful scrap-metal industry while moving against unlicensed operators and anyone dealing in stolen property.