By Christian J. Appleton
MARYLAND COUNTY — Serious security and accountability questions are emerging following an armed robbery at the shared central office of the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC) and MOPP in Pleebo-Sodoken District.
The attackers reportedly struck around 3 a.m. Wednesday, overpowering three security personnel and escaping with a substantial amount of cash intended for workers’ salaries, along with company documents.
Three security officers, including ERU Sergeant Romeo Payne, were reportedly injured. Payne was allegedly disarmed of a 9mm firearm, while his M4 rifle was later recovered.
Beyond the robbery itself, investigators now face critical questions over how the attackers knew cash was being kept at the facility, how they breached the security arrangements, and whether anyone with knowledge of the companies’ payroll operations may have provided information.
There is also a significant discrepancy in the reported figures. Preliminary information accounts for about US$235,925, yet the overall loss has been reported as more than US$439,000. Authorities will need to reconcile these figures and establish the exact amount stolen.
The reported theft of company documents adds another layer of concern, particularly if payroll, financial or operational records were among the materials taken.
County authorities have called for a comprehensive investigation, while police and other security forces work to identify those responsible.
No suspect has been publicly identified or arrested. The bigger question now is whether this was simply a robbery of opportunity—or an attack planned with inside knowledge of CRC and MOPP’s operations.