Six Ghanaians and three citizens of Chinese nationals have been arrested by Western Region police as part of an anti-galamsey operation.
According to a report by Onua FM, the police recovered three pump action pistols and three excavators during the arrest.
The operation comes after five other Chinese nationals were arrested in connection with the theft of two excavators and unlawful mining activities.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive of Ellembelle, Kwasi Bonzo, and four others have been arrested and granted police enquiry bail over an incident involving one of the missing excavators.
The DCE is accused of interfering in police duties by seeking to stop the transportation of the excavator to the Western Regional Police Command in Takoradi.