The Central North Regional Police Command's Anti-Galamsey taskforce has arrested five individuals- three Chinese and two Ghanaians- for engaging in illegal mining activities along River Fum in Assin Ayitey, near Assin Akonfudi, a farming community in the Assin North District of the Central Region.

The suspects have been identified as Duut Kwabena Sakakba (38), Douglas Nyamekye (36), Ma Jian (37), Ma Young (31), and Ma Haibi (54).

During the operation, two excavators, bearing chassis numbers SY 6HK1-XABEA-01-C3 and SWE365EOO762, were discovered at the illegal mining site.

Although the operators fled the scene with the ignition keys, the police say they are working to secure the machines. Efforts are also underway to track down the owners of the equipment to face the law.

In addition to the excavators, a Toyota Hilux pickup truck, registered GE 2743-13, was found at the location and has been impounded by the police for further investigation.

The arrested suspects will be presented before the court to answer to charges related to their involvement in illegal mining.