During a three-day operation against illegal gold mining in the Sarakreek area, four suspects were arrested and several firearms were seized.
The police of Regio Midden carried out the operation with support from the Nationaal Leger. Several gold-mining settlements were dismantled and cleared.
According to the police, those involved had been ordered to leave the area more than seven weeks earlier. Because they did not comply, the authorities decided to proceed with the clearance.
In the area, the authorities found, among others, Brazilians and Chinese nationals. According to the preliminary police investigation, they had been facilitated by Surinamers familiar with the area. In return, they would have received 10 to 20 percent of the gold proceeds.
The police seized two AR-15 rifles, five single-shot firearms, a five-shot shotgun, a Glock handgun and a Roni rifle. The four arrested suspects were remanded in custody after being brought before a prosecutor. The Recherche Regio Midden department is continuing the investigation.
