The Environmental Crime Unit (ECU) of the Korps Politie Suriname, together with the Nationale Milieuautoriteit (NMA, National Environmental Authority), has conducted an investigation into possible water pollution near the village of Godo Olo in the district of Sipaliwini.
The investigation took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The investigators reached the village by helicopter, with support from the Nationaal Leger. During the investigation, the NMA collected eight fish samples and also took soil, sediment and water samples for laboratory testing.
Investigation into the transport of Jin Chan
According to information obtained during the investigation, a shipment of Jin Chan was transported from Paramaribo first by truck and then by boat to Godo Olo. At the village jetty, the shipment was reportedly transferred for subsequent transport overland to a gold mine.
The boat owner allegedly cleaned his boat at the jetty after the transport. In doing so, a small amount of the gold extraction agent may have entered the water. Further investigation must determine whether this actually occurred and whether contamination is involved.
Police have not yet been able to locate the boat owner involved or the boat with which the shipment was allegedly transported.
According to the ECU, villagers were reserved during the investigation and did not cooperate in providing information about the boat owner.
Chinese company uses Jin Chan in gold mining
The investigators subsequently visited a gold mine in the vicinity of Godo Olo by helicopter. At this location, they found a so-called heap-leaching operation. This is a gold extraction method in which gold is recovered from ore-bearing material using a chemical solution.
According to police, Jin Chan is used in gold mining at the mine site in question by a Chinese company.
Those involved summoned for questioning
The ECU has now summoned all parties involved to be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
The results of the laboratory testing of the collected fish, soil, sediment and water samples have not yet been announced. It has therefore not yet been established whether the dead fish found are related to possible contamination by Jin Chan. The police investigation is continuing.
