Interpol has arrested over 200 individuals in four West African countries as part of a large-scale operation against illegal mining, code-named “Sanu.”
The operations were conducted in Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal between June and October last year.
Authorities seized significant quantities of chemicals and equipment used in illegal mining. Additionally, 10 kilograms of cocaine and nearly 7,000 explosive devices were confiscated during the operation.
The operation also highlighted severe environmental consequences of illegal mining, such as deforestation, landslides, drought, and flooding, according to the statement.
While the operation primarily targeted illegal gold mining, it also addressed illegal sand mining for the first time in Gambia, leading to the arrest of seven individuals and the seizure of mining equipment.
