In recent hours, Colombian Navy troops, in a joint and coordinated operation with the National Army and the National Police, found and destroyed five rudimentary dredges used for the illegal exploitation of mining deposits in the village El Tigre, in Caucasia, in the department of Antioquia.
The surveillance, interdiction and security operation took place on the Cauca River, where Troops of the navy Infantry River Battalion No.17, the Airborne Infantry Battalion No. 31 and units of the National Unit against Illegal Mining and Anti-terrorism, discovered five rudimentary dredge-type ships and the discovery of eight engines; this machinery was used to conduct activities of illicit exploration and exploitation of mining deposits.
The individuals who were handling the dredges, upon noticing the presence of the authorities, escaped, leaving the machinery abandoned, which was later destroyed under controlled conditions at the place. During the procedure, no arrests were made.
The illegal exploitation of mineral deposits is an activity prohibited by law, since it causes serious damage to the environment, modifies the volume of river flows and generates a high degree of contamination due to the use of mercury. With this finding, the troops prevent further contamination of the waters of the Cauca River and it is possible to hit the finances of the criminal structures that profit from this illegal activity.
Source: Colombian Navy
