The joint and articulated efforts undertaken by Peru's National Police and Armed Forces —supported by the Public Ministry— have led to a new blow against illegal mining in southeastern Madre de Dios region, where a clandestine camp and 16 dredges linked to this illegal activity have been recently destroyed.
As is known, illegal mining predates the environment and encourages other related crimes.
"It is important to give a message of joint, operational, and collaborative action from the National Police and the Armed Forces to align efforts in our common purpose of providing sustainability to the 2020
Mercury Operation's plan and obtaining better results," the Interior sector's head highlighted.
The operation was carried out at the mouth of Inambari River. Among the seized items are around 500 gallons of fuel, 15 engines, burners, and other supplies used by illegal miners in this region.
On board a helicopter, both authorities oversaw the destruction of said machinery.
Chavez stressed the seriousness of the damage that this illegal activity generates in the environment.
"We see the damage that illegal mining can do with a single dredge, affecting the ecosystem. We have been able to see that not only is the river basin affected; the forest is also affected by illegal logging," he indicated.
"We will continue to come not only to this part of the country, but to other areas where joint operations remain in force, such as in the VRAEM. This allows us to align the lines of action in order to obtain the expected results and meet the challenge of defeating illegal mining,"
Gentille concluded.
(END) NDP/FHG/MVB