Chinese arrested for illegal mining

A 28-year-old Chinese national, Li Daoxing, has been arrested at Asamanma in the Eastern Region for his engagement in illegal mining.

The Kyebi Police who made the arrest said they had gone on surveillance in the area following reports by some residents that some Chinese migrants were seen in the area engaged in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

A spot search on him revealed assorted arms and ammunition.

The police found that the Chinese illegal miner possessed the arms without authority or legal documentation as he was unable to provide any.

The weapons found on him include one pump action gun, one single barrel gun, a pistol, 18 BB cartridges and six 9mm bullets.

The rest are four Motorola handsets, a jack knife, four excavator batteries and an undisclosed amount of money.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the illegal miner sojourned in a wooden structure at Asamanma with two compatriots who narrowly escaped arrest.

During interrogation, Li who spoke English with difficulty, managed to explain to the police that he and his colleagues were brought from Kumasi to mine in a concession in area but could neither tell the police who brought them nor who was their host in Asamanma.

ACP Abass Abaah, Deputy Regional Police Commander, who confirmed the incident to DAILY GUIDE, said the suspect is in police custody assisting police with investigation.

He said efforts were being made to track the two others to help find who is behind the illegal activities.