Police Raid Illegal Gold Mining in Sangir Batang Hari
Police personnel from the Sangir Batumn Hari Sector, South Solok Police, conducted direct inspections at locations suspected of hosting illegal gold mining (PETI) activities in Jorong Talantam, Nagari Lubuk Ulang Aling Selatan, Sangir Batang Hari District, South Solok Regency.
This action was taken in response to information that had gone viral on social media regarding alleged illegal mining activities in the area.
The South Solok Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Andreanaldo Ademi, through the Head of Criminal Investigation, Assistant Commissioner M. Yogie Biantoro, confirmed that personnel visited the specified locations on Tuesday (15/9) to verify the information.
“It is true; personnel went directly to the location to follow up on information viral on social media regarding suspected PETI activities,” said Yogie Biantoro on Wednesday (16/9).
However, based on field inspections, officers did not find any mining activities as reported in the social media posts. The location was observed to be free of illegal mining activities when personnel arrived at the scene.
Despite no activity being found, the police have taken preventive measures by issuing a stern warning to the local community. Residents are strictly prohibited from engaging in mining activities without official permits, as such actions are illegal and cause environmental damage.
“This is our form of rapid response to information circulating in the community. We urge citizens not to engage in PETI activities and to report immediately to the police if similar activities are found in the future,” Yogie emphasised.
Through this rapid response, the South Solok Police hope that the community will be more proactive in maintaining security, order, and environmental sustainability, particularly in the Sangir Batang Hari District area.
“The hope is that the community will work together to protect this area from illegal mining activities and not hesitate to provide information to the police if they encounter activities suspected of violating the law,” he concluded.