11:19 | Pataz (La Libertad region), Apr. 25.
A new mega operation against illegal mining was carried out by the Peruvian National Police in Pataz province, La Libertad region, northern Peru.
This intervention —the second in less than a week in Pataz— took place in the town of Zarumilla.
The first operation led to the seizure and destruction of items with a total value of S/30.27 million (US$8.23 million).
"In one week, we have dealt two decisive blows to the economy of this (illicit) activity that endangers lives, the environment, and public order," Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen stated.
"The Executive Branch reaffirms its commitment to continue these operations until illegal mining is eradicated," he added.
The latest operation was led by the Peruvian National Police (PNP) Environmental Directorate.
In this second operation in less than seven days, one person was arrested and authorities interdicted explosives, mining carts, electric motors, motor pumps, machinery, and other equipment.
The police intervention also involved the participation of the Peruvian Army, the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office; the Ministry of Energy and Mines; La Libertad Region Government; the National Superintendence for the Control of Security Services, Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives for Civilian Use (Sucamec); and the National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (Sunat).
In the first operation, security forces arrested four individuals for illegal possession of firearms and seized six long-range weapons, 7,000 units of explosives, 300 detonators, and 200 kilograms of ammonium nitrate.
During the first half of April, 40 operations were carried out against illegal mining in the following regions: Amazonas (1), Ancash (3), Apurimac (1), Arequipa (2), Cajamarca (1), Huanuco (3), Ica (1), Junin (4), La Libertad (4), Loreto (3), Madre de Dios (12), San Martin (2), and Ucayali (3).
Lastly, the PCM indicated that these actions are coordinated by the multisectoral commission of a permanent nature, responsible for monitoring mining formalization and actions aimed at eradicating illegal mining and restoring the affected areas.
(END) NDP/MAO/MVB
Published: 4/25/2025