In this operation against illegal activities in the Pacific, supplies for drug trafficking, smuggled fuel and illegal mining machinery were in the same way found.
The Colombian Navy, in the effective river operations in the municipalities of El Charco, La Tola and Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé in the department of Nariño, dealt significant blows to the drug trafficking, smuggling and illegal mining networks, which operate on the south Pacific coast of the country.
During the operation conducted by the Navy Infantry River Battalion No.43, seven clandestine laboratories specialized in the production of coca paste base were found by troops and destroyed. More than 1,670 kilograms of coca leaf, 745 kilograms of coca base paste, 475 kilograms of solid precursors and approximately 1,760 gallons of liquid precursors were found by troops in these illegal constructions, which would be used by illegal groups for the production of illicit substances.
Similarly, in an effort to combat the problem of smuggling, the navy men found 605 gallons of fuel, which were distributed to the authorities. These operations generated a considerable economic impact of about 374 million pesos, weakening criminal networks.
Finally, the military operations led to the immobilization of three backhoes and other devices, which apparently would be used for illegal mining in the municipality of Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé. These machines were allegedly linked to the Residual Organized Armed Group Bloque Occidental Jacobo Arenas, Structure 30 Rafael Aguilera, and it is estimated that they generated more than two billion pesos monthly through illegal activities. The material found was put into custody of the authorities.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
