After reportedly trying to bribe National InterMinisterial Committee on Illegal Mining (NAIMOS) personnel during an enforcement operation, a suspected illegal mining kingpin was apprehended in the Western Region.

According to reports, the suspect was arrested in the Ahanta West Municipality after allegedly offering taskforce members GH¢20,000 in an attempt to sway their decisions and prevent action against illicit mining operations in the region.

The incident happened when NAIMOS agents were conducting routine operations to crack down on illicit small-scale mining, also known as galamsey, according to officials.According to reports, the defendant approached the taskforce with the payment offer in an attempt to soften or stop the enforcement action.

The suspect was apprehended as a result of Task Force members' rejection of the offer and prompt reporting of the incident to the relevant authorities.