Lunda norte: A 28-year-old citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) in the municipality of Cassanji-Calucala, Lunda-Norte province, in possession of 21 diamonds of various carats.
According to Angola Press News Agency, SIC-Lunda-Norte spokesperson Graciano Lumanhi stated that the individual, who was in the country illegally, was apprehended with the illegally acquired diamonds, which were intended for sale in Malanje and Luanda.
The SIC officer explained that the arrest, which took place on a public road, was the culmination of criminal intelligence efforts by SIC staff in collaboration with other agencies of the Ministry of the Interior.
Lumanhi emphasized that this arrest is part of 'Operation Connection', a campaign designed to tackle illegal diamond mining and trafficking, as well as illegal immigration, fuel smuggling, organ and human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
He further noted that these activities often attract foreigners, particularly from the DRC, who attempt to enter the country through clandestine routes.
