inp.polri.go.id – The West Kalimantan Regional Police managed to uncover 23 cases of illegal gold mining networks (PETI) in West Kalimantan from January to June 2022. In the disclosure of the case, police officers managed to confiscate 68.9 kilograms of evidence and arrested 75 suspects. "Of the 75 suspects with 23 cases, 36 people were detained at the West Kalimantan Regional Police and 39 people were detained at the Resort Policein West Kalimantan," explained the Head of the West Kalimantan Police, Inspector General of Police, Suryanbodo Asmoro in Pontianak, Wednesday (13/07/22). The West Kalimantan Police Chief revealed that the 75 suspects consisted of miners, reservoirs, transporters, processors, and financiers or intellectual actors from the PETI. Meanwhile, the 23 cases occurred in the districts of Ketapang, Sambas, Sekadau, Sintang, Sanggau, Melawi, Landak, Bengkayang, Kapuas Hulu. The total gold confiscated by the Police was weighing around 68.9 kilograms and has value around Rp66.6 billion. In addition, officers also secured evidence of 19.6 kilograms of silver chunks worth Rp470 million, 11 excavators and various other equipment for mining activities without a permit. The miners who violated Article 17 (1) and Articles 89 and 91 of Law no. 18 of 2013 concerning Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction were threatened with imprisonment for a minimum of three years and a maximum of 15 years, as well as a minimum fine of Rp1.5 billion and a maximum of Rp10 billion.