The Nzema East Blue Water Guards of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Axim Police Command, have foiled illegal mining (galamsey) operations around the Draw River Forest Reserve.

The operation followed a tip-off from JoyNews journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor.

According to the reporter, the illegal miners had been operating in the area, polluting the environment with unauthorized mining activities.

Acting on the intelligence, the Water Guards and police conducted a joint operation, leading to the arrest of 15 suspects, while others fled upon seeing the security team.

Eleven changfang machines, 15 pumping machines, and other equipment—including blankets, intakes, shovels, and rubber basins—were destroyed.

Additionally, ten pumping machines, 14 gallons of petrol and diesel, and one hunting gun were seized and sent to the police station.

In a related development, the Blue Water Guards conducted another operation in Wassa Amenfi East, achieving similar results.

The raid targeted a site near the road and the Ankobra River, resulting in the destruction of four pumping machines, one changfang, and three washing boards.

The suspects however fled before the task force arrived, and no casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, police in both Axim and Wassa Amenfi East are pursuing the illegal miners who escaped during the operations.