Thirty-eight (38) alleged illegal miners seized by the joint military/police task force “Operation Vanguard†in Konongo-Odumase have been ordered to be held in remand prison by the Juaso Circuit Court.
Nine other persons standing trial with them for providing security at the illegal mining sites were, however, granted bail.
They all pleaded not guilty and would make their next appearance on Wednesday, January 17.
Police Superintendent Julius Kpebbeson, told the court, presided over by Mr. Yussif Assibey, that they were caught right in the act of digging for gold at different locations on January 08.
He added that an excavator, three compressor machines, motorbike and a chainsaw machine, were seized from them.
The joint military/police taskforce, Operation Vanguard, has arrested a total of 811 illegal miners since it started operating on July 31.
Commander, Colonel Michael Amoah-Ayisi, said it had additionally seized 1,788 mining equipment and completely destroyed 2,919 Chang fa machines (floating platforms).
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 Read also: Operation Vanguard arrests 811 illegal miners
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