In a joint and coordinated task conducted by the Colombian Air Force, the National Army, the Tolima Police, the Attorney General's Office and Cortolima, they dismantled a center for the illegal exploitation of mining deposits in Santa Marta Diamante in the municipality of Coyaima, achieving the capture of 28 people who had been doing the gold exploration.
Five illegal production units were intervened and they counted on with 10 sinkholes, two motor pumps and two electricity generators valued at 49 million pesos, so the illegal activities of the Organized Criminal Groups are harmed.
At the scene, the criminal group razed approximately four hectares, extracting an approximate of 9,000 grams of gold per month, the production represent a revenue close to 1,500 million pesos per month.
The Colombian Air Force, by the Air Combat Command No. 4, carried out, in conjunction with the National Army, the intelligence prior to the operation. It also transport those captured in a Huey II helicopter, from Cuyaima to the municipality of Guamo, Tolima for their prosecution.
The individuals were put into custody of the Prosecutor 46 of the municipality of Guamo, for the crime of exploitation of mining deposits and other materials.
Illegal gold mining is one of the biggest problems for natural resources and biodiversity. Mercury is a metal that contaminates flora and fauna, and the tributary of the Doyare River, which provides the Salda帽a River with water, risking the health of Colombians.
The important result helps mitigate the environmental damage generated by the illicit exploitation of natural resources.
Source: press - Colombian Air Force
