Five suspected illegal Chinese gold miners have been arrested in a special operation by the Atwima-Kwanwoma District Security Committee (DISEC) and the police in Kumasi.

They are now being held by the Asokwa police.

They were picked up at Nweneso II, where they had through their unlawful mining activities destroyed farms and water bodies.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Simon Denteh, District Crime Officer, said the five were part of a group of Chinese seen digging for gold with three excavators and other equipment when they stormed the mining site.

The others managed to escape into the bush.

He said the police were looking for an interpreter to start questioning the suspects.