Police in the Western region have handed 17 foreigners alleged to be involved in galamsey to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). It brings to 51 the total number of galamsey arrests made in the month of May. Those arrested include Chinese nationals who possessed expired visas. They will soon be put before the court for prosecution. Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCOP Kofi Boakye, told journalists seven of the suspects did have resident and work permits but “as to what they came to do, it’s a problem”. DCOP Boakye said the suspects said they were from Tiahuan Mining Company, but it is not clear what this alleged company is in the country for. He said normally, these foreign illegal miners always say they are in the country for prospecting, so the Police will investigate whether they are geologists, mining engineers or any relevant skilled labour.