Three Chinese nationals have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) along the Birim River at Akyem Abaam, near Akyem Kade in the Eastern Region.
The swoop, led by the Kwaebibirem Municipal Chief Executive, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, and the Municipal Police Commander, ASP Barlekor Bernard, also saw two excavators seized from the site.
Some local accomplices, however, managed to escape.
Speaking after the operation, the MCE warned all illegal miners within forest reserves and water bodies in the municipality to halt their activities immediately, stressing that the task force will stop at nothing to track offenders and bring them to justice.