Joint operation uncovers illegal mining operation in Reg 8
– 6 Brazilian nationals taken into custody
Six Brazilian nationals – four males and two females were taken into custody on Sunday for alleged illegal mining at Amatuk, Potaro River, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Various apparatus used in the illegal operation
The arrests were made following a joint service and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) operation to clamp down on illegal mining in Guyana.
Police stated that the team arrived at the location on Sunday via a GDF helicopter and spotted the illegal mining operation later identified as #252339 which was moored along the western bank of the river.
Those arrested were 22-year-old Leo Votor Lucas De Arruda of Novo Mundo, Mato Grosso; Francione Barbsoda DaSilva, 40, of Maria das Graças, Boa Vista, Roraima; Jeova Marques Pinho, 36, of Mucajaí, Boa Vista, Roraima; Elivane Ferreira Dos Santos, 51, of Castelo, Pará; Silvania Andrade De Oliveira, 45, of Boa Vista, Roraima and 36-year-old Diemisson DaSilva Rodriguez also of Boa Vista, Roraima.
One of the Brazilian nationals on the dredge
The six persons were questioned and instructed by the Joint Services and GGMC officials to vacate the illegal operation. In addition, they were transported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Head Quarters pending further investigation and charges.
