As part of coordinated and interagency operations with the National Police and the Attorney General's Office, a specialized branch against illegal mining, the Colombian Navy found a backhoe loader and three units of machinery used for the illicit exploitation of mining sites in the municipality of Guapi, department of Cauca.
The result was possible thanks to the direct reconnaissance carried out by troops of the Navy Infantry River Battalion No.42, who detected the illegal mining activity. A backhoe loader and three illegal mineral classifiers were found by troops in the area, which were operated by five diesel engines used for the extraction, removal and classification of material, severely hitting the ecosystem and strengthening the illegal activities of Organized Armed Groups.
In compliance with Decree 1035 of 2024, which empowers the Military Forces to destroy yellow machinery used in illicit activities, and in coordination with the Attorney General's Office, the machinery found was disabled, leaving it out of operation. This heavy blow directly hits the financial subsystem of the GAO-r E-30 Jonier Toro Arenas, by preventing the continuation of the illegal activities that finance its criminal activities.
These illegal operations had become a source of financing that violated the environment and fueled illegal activities in this region of the country. Therefore, the Tactical Units of the Navy Infantry Brigade No. 4 continue to carry out operations in the area to counter this criminal operation.
The Colombian Navy once again reaffirms its commitment to the frontal fight against the illicit exploitation of mining deposits and against illegal activities that strengthen Organized Armed Groups, contributing to security and stability in the Cauca Pacific region.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
