Police raid illegal gold mine in Merangin, Jambi, seven people arrested

Jambi (ANTARA) - Jambi Regional Police, through the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus), arrested seven people involved in unlicensed or illegal gold mining in Merangin Regency.

“Police secured seven suspects who were carrying out illegal mining activities using heavy equipment in Bungo Tanjung Village, Pangkalan Jambu Subdistrict, Merangin Regency,” said Jambi Police Chief Inspector General Krisno H Siregar in Jambi on Saturday.

The case was uncovered following reports from the public who were concerned about the proliferation of illegal mining activities in the area. In response to the reports, the Subdirectorate IV team from Ditreskrimsus of Jambi Regional Police conducted an investigation, ultimately arresting the suspects at the scene.

The seven suspects are initialled NH (24), DD (42), RZ (20), HR (19), GP (19), and DP (26). Examination revealed that six of the suspects are residents from North Sumatra who served as operators and assistants for the heavy equipment, while one is a local resident tasked with draining water from the mining pit.

“The suspects were secured while conducting mining activities using an excavator located not far from residential areas,” he stated.

Jambi Regional Police also revealed that the owner of the heavy equipment and the financiers of the illegal mining operation have been identified and are now on the wanted list (DPO).

“We are committed to strictly enforcing actions against all forms of unlicensed gold mining that damage the environment and harm the community,” said the Police Chief.

Jambi Regional Police urged the public not to get involved in illegal mining activities and to report any similar practices immediately, to support synergy in eradicating crimes with widespread impacts.