Saraya: Nearly one hundred illegal gold miners arrested during a large-scale operation by GARSI 2

The Kédougou gendarmerie legion is continuing its offensive against illegal gold mining in the Kédougou region. A major dismantling operation conducted by GARSI 2 resulted in the arrest of 97 people and the seizure of a significant quantity of equipment used in illegal gold mining.

The operation took place on Wednesday, August 5, between 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., led by a platoon from GARSI 2 supported by elements from the Medina Baffé support point. The forces involved targeted an illegal gold mining site located near the Falémé River, east of the village of Fadougou, in the Saraya department.

At the end of the operation, 97 people were arrested. Among them were 72 men, including 51 Malians, 11 Guineans, eight Burkinabe, and two Senegalese. There were also 25 women, comprising 13 Malians, nine Guineans, and three Burkinabe.

GARSI 2 also seized a significant logistical arsenal used for illicit mining activities: 15 motorcycles, 34 generators, 11 motor pumps, 28 jackhammers and 15 solar panels.

All the people arrested and the equipment seized were handed over to the territorial brigade of Saraya for the purposes of the investigation and judicial proceedings.

The authorities further state that this operation took place without the slightest incident, illustrating the continuation of actions undertaken by the defense and security forces to combat illegal gold mining, a phenomenon with serious consequences for the security, environment and natural resources of the Kédougou region.