Cambulo – The National Police in eastern Lunda Norte Province seized an overall 29,415 stones of diamonds of various carats in 2021 under the "Operation transparency" underway since 2018 in the country, the delegate of the Interior in Lunda Norte Alfredo Quintino said Tuesday.
The police chief, who was speaking at the provincial act to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the National Police, said at least 557,500 US dollars and 33.5 million kwanzas were seized during the operation along with means used for the illicit exploitation of diamonds.
At least 39,211 emigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were arrested and repatriated for illegal entry and stay in the Angolan territory, while some 5,543 citizens from DRC who were illegally in the country left the Angolan territory voluntarily, Quintino said.
The police chief stressed that illegal immigration, exploitation and illicit trafficking of diamonds and homicides are the main public security concerns in Lunda Norte.
The police chief also urged delegations of the Interior Ministry to reinforce the inspection in the diamond exploration areas and borders to improve the relationship with the citizens in the scope of proximity policing.
The National Police Day is celebrated on February 28 because it was on this date that in 1976 the first President of the Republic of Angola, António Agostinho Neto, presided over the ceremony of swearing-in 383 officers at the Martires do Kapolo Police School in Luanda.
