Seven arrested for illegal mining in Upper Denkyira West

The Central Regional Police Command has arrested seven individuals for engaging in illegal mining activities at Abora in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation targeting an illegal mining site where the suspects were actively operating. The suspects have been identified as Latif Abdul Gyimah, 55; Mohammed Bello, 44; George Azu, 52; Kingsley Owusu, 23; Sampson Afadzi, 45; Simon Atakpo, 21; and Andrews Otto, 26.

During the operation, the police retrieved a cache of items believed to have been used in the illegal activities. These include one single-barrel shotgun, two pump-action shotguns (Mossberg 500A12GA) with serial numbers T069032 and T075882, and twenty-six live cartridges.

Other seized items include two excavators, two Hyundai excavator monitors, three unregistered motorbikes, an unregistered Haojin tricycle, and a newly installed water pump machine.

According to police sources, efforts are currently underway to retrieve additional excavators that are suspected to be hidden within the area.

All seven suspects are in custody assisting with ongoing investigations. The seized items have been secured by the police as evidence to support the case.