Some 15 persons suspected to be illegal miners were arrested at Esuaso, Bonsaso and Beposo in a swoop by a combined team of the military, police and National Security and handed over to the Police. The swoop was part of efforts to stop environmental degradation and to protect the Ankobrah, Bonsa and Pra Rivers. Various types of equipment used for the mining were also confiscated while others were destroyed at the sites. Addressing the team at Apremdo, near Takoradi, Lieutenant Colonel Albert Dawhoso, Commander of Second Infantry Battalion, cautioned the troops against using excessive force during the operation. He warned that those who disregarded the order would face the law too. It is quite well known, he said, that dredging or prospecting for gold in rivers and other water bodies is prohibited by law.Source: GNA