According to preliminary investigations, this machine would belong to the Organized Armed Group, GAO, Clan del Golfo.
The Colombian Navy, within the framework of a joint operation with Colombian National Army and coordinated with the National Police, seized three backhoes along with different elements used for the practice of illegal mining in the Atrato River in the department of Chocó.
The result was possible thanks to the firmness of the military operation of the troops of the Navy and the Army belonging to the Joint Task Force Titan, who together with members of the Military Forces of the National Police are carrying out control and surveillance tasks in the river arteries of the Colombian Caribbean, and who on this occasion determined that mining deposits were being exploited in this area of the country without the necessary permits.
The three backhoes were on board a flatbed, being towed by an individual who did not have the regulatory documentation in accordance with Law 1242 of 2008, so it was immobilized to prevent its use in illegal mining activities.
With the finding of this machinery, the financial system of the Organized Armed Group Clan del Golfo is hit by approximately 1,200 million pesos. In the same way, it contributes significantly to the protection of the environment, especially of the tributaries that are polluted by these practices of illicit extraction of mining deposits.
No arrests were made during the operations. Meanwhile, the material was put into custody of the Police Inspectorate of the municipality of Riosucio - Chocó department.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
