Six Chinese, including a female, have been remanded by the Kaneshie District Court for allegedly engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, at Asankragua, in the Western Region.
The pleas of Chen Guibin, Yao Zencan, Lu Xiaobin, Cheng Chunroung and Xue Lianhua were not taken.
They are also being held over six counts of possession of firearms without lawful excuse and are expected to reappear on June 1.
The police during the arrest found six pump action guns, GH₵1,292,180.00, substances suspected to be gold dust,suspected gold bar, liquid suspected to be mercury and substance believed to be narcotics.
The court, presided over by Ms Rosemond D. Agyiri, turned down a bail application by defence counsel, Mr Baba Jamal, saying the court did not have jurisdiction to grant bail.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sylvester Asare, who led prosecution, opposed the bail application, saying the suspects may tamper with investigations if granted bail.
The court heard that the police arrested the suspects at Resort Holyday Hotel, and Xin Di Hotel, following a tip-off that the Chinese,armed with weapons, were illegally mining at Asankragua.
ASP Asare said preliminary investigations had established that the suspects were into buying, selling and refinery of gold without authority.
Prosecution said the Chinese also purchased and armed their employees with guns, to protect their unlawful activities.
<<Print>>