The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has intensified its crackdown on gold smuggling operations, arresting two Essequibo gold miners in separate raids over the past two days. The arrests are part of a broader investigation aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in illicit gold trading and money laundering.

On Monday, SOCU apprehended Ramanand Ganesh, a prominent businessman and gold miner known as “Goldman,” along with his wife, Vallina Ganesh. The operation at their Middlesex residence led to the discovery of two illegal firearms and a significant quantity of cash. Both individuals are currently in custody and assisting investigators.

The crackdown continued Tuesday with the arrest of Mahindar Nauth Ghanesh, another Essequibo miner suspected of having extensive cross-border connections in gold smuggling. SOCU conducted the raid at Ghanesh’s New Road residence, seizing large amounts of cash and gold. Authorities revealed that Ghanesh had been under surveillance for some time, supported by both local and international law enforcement agencies.

SOCU officials emphasized that these actions form part of a national strategy to combat organized crime and protect Guyana’s natural resources sector. “We remain committed to ensuring that those who engage in illegal activities are held accountable under the law,” SOCU stated.

The arrests have highlighted the persistent challenge of gold smuggling in Guyana, which threatens the integrity of the country’s mining industry and economy. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities promising further enforcement actions against individuals involved in these illicit activities.