A major blow was dealt to the operational and logistical capacity of illegal mining in Madre de Dios through joint interdiction operations carried out on October 23 and 24.
These actions resulted in an estimated economic impact of 20 million 432,470 soles (around $ 5.9 million) on these illicit activities, which threaten the security and natural heritage of the Peruvian Amazon.
The interventions involved personnel from the Southern Operational Command—specifically the 2nd Jungle Brigade for the Protection of the Amazon—working in coordination with the Peruvian National Police, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the National Service of State-Protected Natural Areas (SERNANP).
General Víctor Cotrina, commander of the 2nd Jungle Brigade for the Protection of the Amazon, emphasized the importance of sustaining this inter-institutional effort to weaken the structures that sustain illegal mining and to strengthen the State’s presence in the affected areas.
"We continue to support the work of our National Police, making our operational capabilities and field experience available to contribute to order, security, and the protection of our Amazon. Our presence, combined with coordinated work alongside State institutions, strengthens the fight against illegal mining and helps ensure peace of mind for the families of Madre de Dios," he stated.
The deployment took place in the sectors of Platanal, Mega 16, Quebrada Anaconda, and Valle Dorado, among other areas within the Inambari District, in the province of Tambopata, Madre de Dios region.
As a result of these operations, infrastructure used for illegal mineral extraction was seized, including 54 rafts, five dredge rafts, 44 submerged engines, 12 additional engines, 23 pits, 36 hoppers, 20 chutes, and 95 makeshift camps.
Additionally, five motorcycles and 18,300 gallons of fuel—resources used to sustain these illicit activities—were confiscated.
During the interventions, two individuals were arrested in the Yarinal sector and have been placed in the custody of the competent authorities for further legal proceedings.
The economic impact, exceeding 20 million soles over the course of two days, reflects the scope of these interventions, which are aimed at weakening the extraction and supply infrastructure of organizations engaged in this illegal activity.
In accordance with the guidelines set by the defense sector, the Joint Command of the Armed Forces—through the Southern Operational Command—continues to participate in operations against illegal mining, thereby contributing to the strengthening of state authority, the protection of Amazonian ecosystems, and the safety of the populations in the Madre de Dios region.
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Publicado: 25/10/2026