Combined military police forces have destroyed 36 clandestine landing strips in the valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (Vraem) in order to break up the drug-trafficking network in the area.
According to the Joint Command of the Armed Forces of Peru (CCFFAA), 19 runways were destroyed on July 3-31. The operation was conducted in the following towns: Santa Rosa, Mayapo (in Ayacucho), Pichas, Villavista (in Cusco) and Yaviro, Tsivokiriato, Alto Quempiri, Cerro Verde, Boca Mantaro, Alto Ene, Pachacamilla (in Junin).
Security forces destroyed the remaining 17 landing strips from August 1 to 18 in Pampa Alegre, Sol Naciente, Natalio Sánchez, Tsivokiriato, Cerro Verde (in Junin) and Santa Rosa (in Ayacucho).
The operation, which seeks to prevent distribution of narcotic drugs, are a significant blow to drug traffickers, who have become the main source of financing for Shining Path terrorist group in the Vraem area.
The Joint Command of the Armed Forces reaffirmed its commitment to continue working until the peacemaking stage is reached.
(END) NDP/LIT/RMB/MVB
JRA
Published: 8/20/2015