Five Chinese nationals, including one female, have been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities (galamsey) in the Eastern Region.
The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in collaboration with the Eastern Regional National Security Office in the Birim Central Municipality.
The operation, carried out last night, followed credible intelligence that the suspects were mining illegally along the Birim River.
Mining equipment found on the river was set ablaze during the exercise.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigations.
Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer Francis Annoh-Dompreh said security agencies will intensify operations across mining hotspots to curb illegal mining and protect water bodies, farmlands, and the environment. He warned both locals and foreigners involved in galamsey to desist or face the full rigours of the law.
