Brazilians caught at illegal mining camp to be charged
Two Brazilian nationals, identified as Alexander Felix and Luan Ricardo Braga Silva, will be charged on Monday, for having illegal mining sites at the New River Triangle, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Saturday said that Felix, who is a helicopter pilot, will be facing four charges, namely: operating a civil aircraft without an airworthiness certificate; interference with an aircraft; operating an aircraft without insurance, and illegal entry into Guyana.
The helicopter that was seized by GDF ranks
The second suspect, Silva, who was also found at the illegal mining camp, will be charged with the offence of illegal entry into Guyana.
Three days ago, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) reported that they destroyed an illegal mining camp and seized a helicopter and several other items in the New River Triangle.
According to the report, the soldiers had gathered intelligence on the mining operation, launched a search of the New River Triangle, and arrested two Brazilian nationals, Felix and Silva. Upon seeing soldiers, several others fled the scene into the surrounding jungle.
The camp that was destroyed by the GDF ranks
The illegal mining camp was secured and cleared by members of the Guyana Defence Force. A shotgun, 10 cellular phones, a generator, mining equipment, passports, identification cards, and a bank card were recovered. A quantity of equipment was confiscated, and mining tunnels were destroyed.
The Guyana Defence Force has said that the operation was conducted over a period of four days, involved two officers and 27 of their ranks, and was supported by the Air Corps. (G9)
