Tanzania, March 19 -- Mbeya. Police in Mbeya Region are holding 10 mineral traders suspected of smuggling gold worth Sh1.5 billion.

The Minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, announced the arrests at a press conference, stating that the traders were apprehended on March 16 at 10:27 am in the Ilomba neighborhood of Mbeya city.

At the time of their arrest, the suspects were found with 344 pieces of smelted gold weighing 9.8 kilograms, along with various tools used for smelting and measuring gold.

Minister Mavunde has ordered the suspension of the suspects' mining business licenses nationwide while investigations proceed before their arraignment in court.

He commended the Mbeya Regional administration under Regional Commissioner Juma Hom...