- This result contributes to reducing the negative effects on biodiversity and the communities of San José del Guaviare.
As a result of joint operations, the Colombian Navy, Colombian National Army and coordinated with the National Police, reported interception of strategic elements intended for illicit mining in the southeast of the country, in a new blow against these illicit activities that seriously affect the environment in Orinoquia.
The events take place on the main pier of Barrancominas, a nerve center on the river routes that connect San José del Guaviare with Inírida, used for the transport of precursors used in the illicit exploitation of mining deposits.
During the operations, units of the Navy Infantry River Battalion No. 50, in coordination with Engineer Battalion No. 45 of Colombian National Army and the National Police, seized suction systems; 11 rolls of carpet for extraction of gold elements and 21 rolls of hose of different dimensions, used in illegal operations.
The items were transported in two tugboat-type ships that did not have the documentation required by law for this type of cargo, which led to their immediate confiscation in implementation of current regulations.
Although no arrests were reported, it is highlighted that this type of results directly affects the military operations capacity of the illegal mining networks, by preventing the installation of new exploitation units in sensitive areas of the Colombian Amazon.
Experts have warned that illicit mining in this region generates high levels of mercury pollution in the rivers, in addition to accelerated deforestation, hitting both biodiversity and the health of the communities that depend on these water sources.
These operations are part of the State's sustained operation against illicit activities, within the framework of the strategic plans Ayacucho Plus and Batalla Noche de San Juan – Plus, aimed at weakening the criminal structures operating in the region.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
