West Sumatra Police Raid Illegal Gold Processing Operation in Solok, Four Arrested

Subdirectorate IV of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the West Sumatra Regional Police has uncovered illegal mining and mineral processing activities in Solok City. In an operation conducted on Wednesday (15/7), officers arrested four suspects along with a significant quantity of gold and silver as evidence.

The raid took place at a house on Jalan Dr. Hamka, Kampai Tabu Karambia subdistrict, Lubuk Sikarah district, Solok City, at around 15:30 local time. The location was strongly suspected of being a centre for stockpiling and processing mining output without a permit.

The Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the West Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Andry Kurniawan, stated that the operation reflected the police’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining practices that harm the state and damage the environment.

“We secured four perpetrators with the initials ZP, 52, RJP, 36, JH, 50, and S, 66. They are strongly suspected of stockpiling, processing, and selling minerals in the form of gold and silver without holding an IUP, IUPK, IPR, or any other valid permit,” said Andry in his statement on Thursday (16/7).

During the search, the police seized a number of valuable items of evidence.

Andry stressed that the illegal activity was not only economically harmful but also disregarded environmental regulations. “We will not tolerate any form of illegal mining activity. The legal process will continue through to trial,” he asserted.

Separately, the Head of Public Relations at the West Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Susmelawati Rosya, urged the public to proactively report suspicious mining-related activities in their neighbourhoods. Community cooperation was deemed crucial to preventing more widespread criminal acts.

For their actions, the four perpetrators were charged under Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020, amending Law Number 4 of 2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining. The suspects face a maximum prison sentence of five years and fines of up to Rp100 billion.

Investigators from the West Sumatra Regional Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate are still conducting intensive examinations of the perpetrators and witnesses to uncover a broader syndicate network.