Mozambique: Nampula PRM seizes two bags of garnet from Ancuabe – Ikweli

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Mozambique: Nampula PRM seizes two bags of garnet from Ancuabe – Ikweli

1:33 CAT | 08 Apr 2021

File photo: Ikweli

Police in Nampula have recovered two bags of semi-precious stones [garnet] from a 28-year-old man, who stands accused of illegal mining and the trafficking of minerals of high commercial value.

The man is from Angoche district.

Police spokesman for Nampula Zacarias Nacute explained that the man was stopped on National Road Number 1 (EN1), on his way from Cabo Delgado.

“We are facing a case of illegal mining and transportation of semi-precious stones of the garnet type, where the police approached a vehicle, and in the search process, this citizen was found carrying two bags containing semi-precious stones,” the source said in the weekly press briefing

“In face of an illegal situation, the individual was referred to our police subunits, and legal procedures are underway for his accountability for the fact committed.”

The detainee says that he left the district of Ancuabe in Cabo Delgado for the city of Nampula, where he was to meet a friend who could find a buyer, allegedly of Chinese origin. He also said that it was the first time he had done this and did not know who the customer was.

“I left Cabo Delgado with the garnets to come and sell them here in Nampula. Then, when I arrived at Anchilo control post, I was stopped by the police, because I was travelling in a Coaster vehicle on the Montepuez-Nampula route. This is garnet, but I can’t lie about the usefulness of this product,” the young man said, meaning that he did not know what garnets were used for.

The man said that, to the best of his knowledge, a kilogram of garnet would sell for 120.00 meticais (one hundred and twenty meticais), depending on quality.

Finally, Nacute announced that, during the past week, a total of 41 citizens have been detained, two of whom were involved in an equal number of crimes recorded during the week.

By Esmeraldo Boquisse

Source: Jornal Ikweli