This important result contributes to combat illicit activities within the framework of Operation Pedro Pascasio Martínez.
In an operation carried out by the Ground Operations Battalion No. 17 of the Sixth Brigade, the Air Assault Division, the National Army's Illegal Mining Brigade, with the support of Air Force Air Combat Command No. 4, the National Police, the Attorney General's Office and Cortolima, dismantled a center for the illegal exploitation of mining deposits in the path Santa Marta Diamante, in the municipality of Coyaima, in the department of Tolima.
In this operation, it was possible to capture 28 people in flagrante delicto who would be doing the gold exploration. 5 illegal production units were intervened along with 10 sinkholes, 2 motor pumps and 2 electricity generators, valued at more than 49 million pesos; this operation considerably damages the illegal activities of organized criminal groups.
In the place these people have destroyed more than four hectares of fauna and flora, contaminating the tributary of the Doyare stream, which provides water to the Saldaña river. With this they have risked the health of the inhabitants of the area who use the water just to achieve the objective of extracting approximately 9,000 grams of gold monthly, which would represent 1,500 million pesos per month.
The individuals were put into custody of the Prosecutor 46 of the municipality of Guamo, for the crime of illegal exploitation of mining deposits and other materials.
Source: National Army - News Agency
