Dundo – A total of 176 stones of diamonds of various carats were seized over the weekend by the defence and security forces in eastern Lunda Norte, the National Police spokesperson Alexandre Gualter Pereira said Monday.
According to the Police spokesperson, the seizure of the diamonds occurred during a micro operation aimed at combating trafficking and illicit exploitation of the strategic mineral.
Alexandre Pereira said local forces have been developing joint actions since the second trimester this year to combat illegal mining exploitation, trafficking of minors, fuel smuggling and illegal immigration.
The spokesperson said the defense forces also seized 5,475 liters of smuggled fuel, 4,825 of which were diesel and 650 liters of gasoline heading to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As part of the same operation, the Police prevented the illegal entry of 737 foreign citizens from the DRC, who intended to establish themselves in diamond exploration areas.
The police officer called on the population to report cases of aid to illegal immigration and illegal diamond exploitation. HD/CF/AMP
