More than 670,000 gallons of stolen petroleum were found by troops in the operation. These refineries have caused devastating environmental damage.
In the last few hours, in a coordinated work conducted by Colombian National Army, the Air Force and the Attorney General's Office, it was possible to find and disable seven illegal refineries with more than 670,000 gallons of stolen petroleum in the rural area of the municipality of Tibú, Department of Norte de Santander.
The military arrived at the village of Caño Victoria, where these refineries specialized in distilling processed gasoline, known as Pategrillo, were found by troops. The petroleum found in this area had been stolen of the Caño Limón-Coveñas pipeline.
Serious damage to the soil, water sources and the forest was evident at the site.
These refineries, which would have a cost of more than 5000 million pesos, housed more than 670,000 gallons of petroleum, 18 rudimentary storage pools and other elements used to commit this crime.
The ELN has interference in this area of the department, so it is presumed that they would be responsible for the theft of the petroleum.
Colombian National Army continues to carry out operations to counteract the factors of instability that are hitting the region.
Source: National Army of Colombia- Second Division Press.
