Lampung Police Uncover Illegal Gold Mining Case in Way Kanan

Bandarlampung — Lampung Police Regional Command (Polda) has uncovered a case of illegal gold mining without proper permits in Way Kanan District, Lampung Province.

“This case was successfully uncovered by our personnel on Sunday (8 March) in an area of PTPN I Regional 7 land located in Way Kanan District,” said Lampung Police Chief Inspector General Helfi Assegaf at Lampung Police Headquarters on Tuesday.

He stated that during the enforcement operation, the Criminal Investigation Directorate team, assisted by Brimob personnel from Lampung Police, secured 24 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal gold mining activities.

“Of these, 14 individuals have been designated as suspects, whilst the remaining 10 are still classified as witnesses,” said Helfi.

Currently, the Lampung Police Chief continued, investigators are conducting further examination to ascertain the role of each party involved. This is to ensure that the elements of criminal offence as stipulated in Article 158 of the Law on Mineral and Coal Mining are fulfilled.

“The 24 individuals were apprehended from seven different locations across three sub-districts in Way Kanan, namely Blambangan Umpu Sub-district, Umpu Semenguk Sub-district and Baradatu Sub-district,” he said.

The enforcement locations include illegal gold mining sites in Way Kanan: Sumatera Lintas Road, PTPN I Regional 7 area, Blambangan Umpu Sub-district (near Betih River), Lembasung Village, Blambangan Umpu Sub-district, Martapura Lintas Road, KM 9 Blambangan Umpu Road, Way Kanan District, KM 6 Blambangan Umpu Road, Way Kanan, Betih River adjacent to PTPN I Regional 7 land, Blambangan Umpu Sub-district, and PTPN I Regional 7 area near Betih River, Blambangan Umpu.

“All locations are suspected to be within the land use rights (HGU) area of PTPN VII plantation in Way Kanan District,” he said.