10:54 | Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios region), Feb. 27.
Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra on Thursday affirmed that the operation aimed at
fighting illegal mining in Madre de Dios region's La Pampa area was one of the biggest decisions he has ever made during his time in office.
"The operation in La Pampa is one of the most important decisions that our Government has ever made. A year later, we have important achievements to share after we rescued this place in our Amazon region from the clutches of illegal mining," he posted on Twitter.
The Head of State headed to Madre de Dios region, joined by government officials, to undertake several activities following a year of the operation conducted in La Pampa area.
The 2019 Mercury Operation is an unprecedented operation against illegal mining, which involves Ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as other 17 State bodies that guarantee the viability of the plan.
This multisectoral operation included the participation of 1,200 police officers, 300 Armed Forces members, and 70 prosecutors.
The first stage lasted 14 days. The second —called consolidation— lasted six months. Finally, a series of sustained actions are being implemented through 2021.
(END) JCC/RMB
Published: 2/27/2020