Seven individuals involved in illegal gold mining near Thabyepin Village in the Moehti-Moemi area of Yamethin Township, Mandalay Region, were apprehended along with mining-related equipment, according to reports.

Illegal gold mining in the Moehti-Moemi area has reportedly caused environmental damage and economic losses for the state due to uncollected taxes. Local residents have faced natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, and runoff from heavy rains, which are believed to be exacerbated by mining activities. Based on complaints from locals, a combined security team launched operations to identify and detain those involved in illegal mining activities.

On November 27, at 6:00 p.m., a joint security team conducted an inspection near Thabyepin Village at Betho Mountain. They arrested U Zaw from Kyutawwa Village, Pyawbwe Township, along with five others from Thabyepin Village—Lwin Ko Naing, Kyaw Thet Paing, U Maung, and Naing Kaung Htet. They were found with mining equipment used for illegal gold extraction.

On November 28, at 10:00 a.m., another inspection was conducted at the residence of Tin Lin in Thabyepin Village. Although Tin Lin was not found, two other individuals, Win Soe from the same village and Aung Soe Oo from Nyaungai Village, were arrested. The team confiscated 35 bags of suspected gold-bearing ore, 20 bags of sand, five grinding plates, and other related equipment.

Later that evening, at around 6:30 p.m., a follow-up inspection near Betho Mountain uncovered additional items suspected to be used for illegal gold mining. These included 15 bags of gold-bearing ore, a solar panel, a battery, a flashlight, a diesel engine, a dynamo, a handcart, and 13 motorcycles, including a SHAYAN-125 motorcycle.

The seven detainees, including U Zaw, have been charged under Section 30(a) of the Myanmar Mining Law at the Yamethin Township Police Station. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend Tin Lin and other suspects yet to be identified.

Authorities emphasized that combined security teams are working to prevent further environmental degradation and state revenue loss caused by illegal gold mining in the Moehti-Moemi area. Operations to enforce rule of law and maintain security in the region are being conducted in accordance with existing laws.