Toamasina police have arrested a major network of cable thieves targeting Jirama infrastructure in the Sarimasina area along RN2. The arrests come as the region faces recurring power outages, compounded by production facility shutdowns beyond the electricity shortage crisis. Seven individuals were apprehended alongside one police officer involved in the operation in Toamasina. The stolen cables connected Toamasina city center to Toamasina II, where reconstruction efforts were underway following recent damage. Several kilometers of Jirama cables and equipment used in the theft were recovered during the arrests. During the operation, a detained security guard made statements implicating others. All seven suspects were taken into custody and brought to police headquarters for questioning. The police chief later clarified that individuals are responsible for their own actions, noting that security personnel involvement in such criminal activities falls outside their official duties. Investigation revealed the seven were traveling merchants operating in Toamasina, targeting aluminum and other valuable materials within the cables for resale. Jirama acknowledged such efforts must continue, though the utility struggles with monitoring the extensive cable network across the region. Cable theft remains a persistent problem in remote areas, particularly along National Road 2.