The ongoing joint police and security operation targeting illegal mining activities in forest reserves near Samreboi in the Western Region has led to the arrest of 21 more individuals, bringing the total number of arrests to 47 as the crackdown enters its fourth day.

The latest arrests include a mix of local and foreign nationals: 39 Ghanaians, eight Chinese nationals, and four Ghanaian women. Authorities say the suspects were caught engaging in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and within adjoining forest reserves that have come under increasing threat from galamsey operations.

• Read also: Police crack down on illegal mining, 26 arrested in major galamsey bust near Samreboi

The operation, which has intensified in recent days, has also led to the seizure of 17 excavators and one bulldozer suspected of having been used in the destruction of the environment. Security officials confirmed the confiscation of several firearms and rounds of ammunition from the illegal miners.

The first batch of 26 arrested suspects has already been transported to Accra to face prosecution.

• Read also: We’ll patrol relentlessly to stop rebuilding of galamsey camp – FC’s W/Regional Manager

Security personnel remain deployed across the affected areas as the raid continues with the aim of flushing out remaining illegal miners and dismantling galamsey infrastructure.