Five foreign illegal miners arrested in Potaro, gold and equipment seized

Five non-nationals, including Venezuelans, were detained in the Potaro mining district as part of Guyana's crackdown on illegal mining. Gold and equipment were seized.

Venezuelans among five detained in Potaro illegal mining bust

Five non-nationals, including Venezuelans, have been arrested in the Potaro mining district following the discovery of an illegal mining operation, demerarawaves.com reported Thursday. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) carried out the detentions as part of the Natural Resources Ministry's ongoing campaign against illegal mining.

Several pieces of mining equipment and a quantity of gold were seized during the operation. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission's (GGMC) Corps of Wardens and the GPF are conducting joint investigations into the matter, the ministry said.

"The ministry reiterates that there will be no tolerance for illegal mining," the Natural Resources Ministry stated.

The government reminded all miners and stakeholders that they must obtain the necessary permissions and ensure full compliance with Guyana's mining and environmental laws.

The ministry said enforcement and surveillance activities will continue across all mining districts, carried out through the GGMC in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. "Those found operating outside the law will face the full consequences," the ministry warned, adding that all non-nationals previously found engaged in illegal mining activities are being deported.

Source: Google News GY — Crime