DAR ES SALAAM, March 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people have been arrested in Tanzania's Mbeya Region, located in the southern highlands, for their involvement in smuggling 9.8 kilograms of gold out of the country, authorities announced on Tuesday.

Minister of Minerals Anthony Mavunde said that the arrests were made in the gold-rich Chunya District during a special crackdown conducted by minerals officials in collaboration with security agencies. The seized gold is valued at 1.5 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 590,000 U.S. dollars).

Speaking at a news conference, Mavunde said that efforts are underway to apprehend the ringleader of the gold smuggling syndicate, emphasizing the government's commitment to apprehending all involved parties.

He condemned mineral smuggling as an act of economic sabotage and called for heightened security along Tanzania's borders to curb such activities. Enditem

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