PORTLAND, Jamaica – Minister with responsibility for water and environment Matthew Samuda has warned of heavy fines of up to $10 million against persons engaged in illegal sand mining.

He issued the warning this week during a tour of the Swift River Valley in Portland where he said there have been numerous reports of mining operations in the river valley.

“While some mining in a limited way is indeed required and functions as river training, there are some operations that we have encountered that are outside the regulatory framework and are acting illegally,” Samuda told journalists, adding “We will be taking the necessary regulatory action.”

Samuda said the situation is of serious concern and praised residents for alerting the authorities.

“Our capacity to monitor our rivers is indeed limited, so we do appreciate when citizens step forward and give us a heads up when there are issues in spaces, and I assure citizens that we will be taking the strongest legal action when we encounter these issues,” he said.

Samuda noted that he will be convening a joint task force to complete an assessment of river mining.