Gorontalo (ANTARA) – Gorontalo police have shut down a suspected illegal gold mining site in East Tulabolo Village, Bone Bolango District, after officers found evidence of mining activity in the area.
Gorontalo Police Chief Inspector General Widodo said on Saturday the investigators placed police lines around mine shafts suspected of being used for illegal mining operations.
“Besides the mine shafts, we also sealed and placed police lines around areas used to process mining materials,” Widodo said.
The enforcement operation targeted the 3 Batu Gergaji area in East Tulabolo Village, East Suwawa Subdistrict, Bone Bolango District, Gorontalo Province, where authorities suspect illegal gold mining has been conducted.
The operation was led by Second Police Inspector Imam Ansyari Rambe, involving nine officers from the special crimes unit, a Brimob tactical team and Bone Bolango police investigators.
Officers took four to five hours to reach the site, which is located on a hillside with difficult terrain, according to the police.
Authorities suspected mine owners and workers had learned about the operation beforehand because no mining activities were underway when officers arrived.
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However, the joint team seized evidence including two sacks of extracted rock material, two carbon pipes, three jet hammer drill bits and a blue plastic bowl. The items were believed to be the equipment used in illegal gold mining activities, police said.
“Besides installing police lines and confiscating evidence, officers also placed warning signs prohibiting mining activities in the sealed area,” Widodo said.
Special Crimes Unit Director Commissioner Maruly Pardede said the investigation proceeded safely and orderly, with no resistance or attempts to obstruct officers from local residents.
He said the action reflected the police commitment in enforcing laws against illegal mining activities in Bone Bolango District.
“As a follow-up action, the special crimes unit will trace parties linked to the illegal operations, including mine owners, workers and those involved in processing mining materials,” Pardede said.
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Translator: Susanti S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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