Kampar Kiri, Indonesia—Police officers raided a remote section of the Subayang River on Friday to stop illegal gold mining operations. The team located three floating rafts equipped with dredging machinery used to extract sediment from the riverbed. Mining activity had significantly increased water turbidity in the area over the past month.

Authorities moved in quietly to catch the operators in the act of dredging. The workers fled into the dense forest as soon as the police boats appeared on the water. No arrests were made during the initial phase of the operation.

Officers boarded the rafts to inspect the equipment. They found pumps, hoses, and primitive washing systems used to separate gold flakes from river sand. The police began dismantling the rafts immediately to prevent further environmental damage.

The operation was part of a broader push to restore the river ecosystem. Local residents have complained about the destruction of riverbanks and the impact on fishing stocks. The police stated they will maintain a presence in the area to deter future illegal activity.

The destroyed machinery was left at the site as evidence of the operation. Officials are looking for the financiers behind these specific mining rafts. They believe the operations were coordinated by individuals from outside the local village.

An environmental impact assessment will be conducted by the regional agency. The water quality is expected to improve now that the dredging has stopped. Police are currently filing reports on the equipment seized during the raid.

Patrols along the Subayang River will increase in frequency starting this weekend. The police chief requested support from community members to report any sightings of mining gear. He emphasized the long-term damage these operations cause to the watershed.

The investigation into the ownership of the rafts remains active. Police are cross-referencing information from local informants to identify the organizers. Further raids are planned for the coming weeks across the Kampar Kiri region.