A powerful military operation was carried out in the municipality of Riosucio, where five individuals were arrested, and extractive practices that put water sources and the purity of the Cauca River at risk were stopped.
Within the framework of the Ayacucho Plus Campaign Plan, troops of the 22nd Infantry Battalion Batalla de Ayacucho, attached to the Eighth Brigade, together with the Anti-Mining Brigade and Intelligence Personnel of the 5th Civil Security Battalion, in coordination with the Carabineros and Environmental Protection Section of Caldas, the Technical Research Corps (CTI) and the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Caldas (Corpocaldas), carried out an important military operation against illegal mining in the village of Jaguero, in the municipality of Riosucio.
During the intervention, it was possible to dismantle a mining production unit and disable the material used for illicit exploitation, such as engines, motor pumps, hoses, barrels, shovels, spades and washing gutters. Approximately 700 grams of gold were being extracted from the mine on a monthly basis, with an estimated income of 224 million pesos.
Those arrested were put into custody of the authority, charged with the crime of illicit exploitation of mining deposits and other materials, in accordance with article 332 of Law 2111 of 2021 of the Colombian Criminal Code. These illegal practices generate serious environmental damage to the Cauca River and its ecosystem, directly hits the sustainability of natural resources and the well-being of communities.
Through these operations, the soldiers of the Eighth Brigade not only fulfill their constitutional mission of working to raise security, but also protect the country's natural wealth. The National Army will continue to work in coordination with the authorities to safeguard natural resources and take care of the families that depend on them.
Source: Press – National Army
