reaffirmed the government's commitment to combat illegal mining and stated it will spare no effort to eradicate this scourge, which constitutes Peru's main illegal economic activity.
"We will join forces to eradicate illegal mining. This government acts and reacts," Arroyo said during a meeting with senior officials from the National Police and Peruvian Navy, where the situation of this illicit activity in the country was assessed.
As part of the Executive Branch's actions, 313 interdiction operations were carried out between January 1 and March 15, 2026, leading to the destruction, seizure, and confiscation of assets worth approximately S/530 million (about US$152 million) linked to this criminal activity.
Among the regions with the highest amounts seized are Madre de Dios, recording more than S/349 million (above US$100 million) across 167 operations; Amazonas, where six operations totaled over S/26 million (above US$7.5 million); and Arequipa, where 21 operations exceeded S/22 million (above US$6.35 million).
Huanuco recorded 21 operations surpassing S/19 million (above US$5.48 million), while La Libertad reported 21 operations that exceed S/10 million (above US$2.89 million).
It was also reported that the number of monthly interdiction operations increased by 45% in 2026 compared to the 2025 average, rising from 86 to 125 operations per month.
In the first half of January alone, 70 operations were carried out, with seizures valued at S/143.8 million (about US$41.49 million).
Operation 'El Tambo 2026'
During the meeting, authorities reported on the execution of Operation "El Tambo 2026," carried out on March 22 in El Cenepa district, Condorcanqui province, Amazonas region.
The operation led to the dismantling of the criminal gang "Los Lobos" (The Wolves), which provided security to illegal gold extraction networks in the border area with Ecuador.
During the operation, rifles, pistols, magazines, tear gas canisters, ballistic vests and plates, communication radios, and even a drone were seized, he stated.
Actions against illegal mining form part of six operational plans deployed in regions such as Amazonas, La Libertad, Apurimac, Loreto, San Martin, and Madre de Dios, with a projection of 2,050 operations in 2026.
According to estimates by the National Police, around 25 million hectares in the country are currently affected by illegal or informal mining.
Coordinated efforts
Joint operations by the National Police and the Peruvian Navy make it possible to strike at the finances of organized crime, protect the environment, and regain control of the territory through river patrols, heliborne operations, and intelligence actions.
These actions also aim to dismantle illegal mining's logistical chain and ensure the Peruvian State's presence in vulnerable areas, including Indigenous communities and protected natural areas.
Thus, the government reaffirms its commitment to maintaining ongoing operations to reduce the operational capacity of these illicit networks and ensure effective control of the territory.
(END) NDP/KCO/CVC/MVB