The Ashanti South Regional Police Command, in a collaborative intelligence-led operation with Dr. Hanna Bisiw CEO of Minerals Development Fund(MDF), and her team, arrested four Chinese suspects for engaging in illegal mining activities in Atatam, in the Adansi Asokwa District in the Ashanti Region.
The operation targeted illegal mining sites along the Subin River and Jimi River, both of which serve as crucial sources of drinking water for adjoining communities. The suspects have been identified as; Li Quan (44), Lu Jianzheng (36), Li Xuyu (47), and Su Shanxing (63).
During the operation, seven (7) excavators were seized from the illegal mining site and transported to secure police custody. Four (4) pump-action guns were also retrieved from the suspects.
Relatedly, eight persons have been apprehended for illegal mining activities in Apremadi, a community at Amansie South in the Ashanti Region.
The suspects have been identified as: Karim Issaka (38), Samuel Dugah (35), Seidu Karim (35), Issaka Azitarigah (24), Boadu Desmond, (29), James Kabutey (21), Bashiru Idrissu (19) and Collins Amoako (24).
Three (3) excavator monitors, four (4) excavator control boards, and three (3) excavator gear levers were retrieved, and efforts are underway to convey the excavators from the mining site.
All suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, a statement said.