More than 40 people were arrested this weekend in Crucitas de Cutris de San Carlos on suspicion of committing the crime of illegal mining and also being there with an irregular migratory status.
Juan José Andrade, director of the Public Force, added that two two subjects had an arrest warrant.
According to Bernardita Marín, interim minister of Security, the objective of the authorities is that the so-called “coligalleros” do not reach the mine.
They are also working hand in hand with the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration, to analyze the legal status of the foreigners. These will be guaranteed an administrative process, which could end in a rejection or deportation.
The confrontations between the police and gold prospectors rose on Friday night, after a call made at 9:00 p.m. from a house in the area.
In the place there were seven children and a pregnant woman, along with five other adults, who were besieged by a group of about 200 to 300 people. A dozen of policemen arrived at the scene, and after a confrontation there was a deceased person and eight of the police officers had to be treated by doctors.
The conflicts with the coligalleros began in April last year, when there was a strong movement of gold diggers in the area. Not only Costa Ricans go to the district of Cutris, but also Nicaraguans cross to try and get the product.