A Joint Services operation in Region Nine has led to the discovery of a helicopter and an illegal mining site operated by Brazilians.
Two persons, including the pilot of the helicopter, who are from neighbouring Brazil were arrested and taken into custody.
The Guyana Defence Force in a statement yesterday said that the intelligence-led operation was carried out on February 19. The operation was carried out in the New River Triangle.
The helicopter according to the GDF was delivering food at the camp site.
The GDF said one shot gun, 10 cellphones, a generator, mining equipment, passports, ID cards and a Bank Card were found at the camp.
Additionally, the GDF said a quantity of equipment was confiscated and the camp and mining tunnel was destroyed.
The operation GDF noted was conducted over a four-day period and included two officers and 27 ranks. The operation was supported by the air corps using Bell 412 and Shorts Helicopter.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force has reported that a joint operation was conducted at the Marudi Mountain mining area on Monday by Region Nine Commander, Senior Superintendent Rapheal Rose, other police officials and a mines officer from Guyana Geology and Mines Commission
According to the police release, the operation aimed to follow up on the influx of illegal mining by Brazilian nationals, the issue of the security of miners within the camp, other issues and concerns, the maintenance of order, illegal firearms, and narcotics.
During the operation, the commander stressed the importance of establishing a security firm at the camp site. He stated in his remarks that, he saw the need of having one present, so that order can be maintained, miners can feel safe and secure, and also for the protection of miners’ production from unauthorized persons or illegal miners.
Once this initiative is put in place, he noted, miners can work hand in hand with the security firm and the Guyana Police Force to minimise and resolve crime.
He iterated that all minor or major occurrences must be reported to the police such as disorderly behaviour, assault, and theft, so that the persons committing such acts, can be prosecuted.
