Within the framework of a joint, coordinated and interagency operation conducted by the Colombian Aerospace Force, the National Army, the National Police and the Attorney General's Office, it was possible to find and intervene in an area hit by the illegal exploitation of mining deposits in the department of Cauca.
This illegal activity was carried out in the municipality of Guapi, near the Pilpe River, being attributed to the José María Becerra front of the Organized Armed Group, GAO, ELN, who would profit from this illicit activity.
During the inspection of the place, 02 dragon-type dredgers and two excavators were found by troops, which were disabled in controlled conditions by the authorities; the mechanized elements would cost 3 billion pesos.
With the destruction of this machinery, the removal of approximately 18 tons of soil, subsoil and vegetal layer is prevented, in addition to mitigate environmental damage and also protect natural resources, the environmental rights of communities, as well as the flora and fauna surrounding water sources.
With this important result, it was possible to reduce the environmental impact on vegetation, preventing the deforestation of 420 hectares of forests and jungles, caused by this crime. In addition, the use of 15 kilograms of mercury was prevented, which would be used in one month of operation, thus preventing the pollution of more than 7 million cubic meters of water.
Source: Public Communication Office CACOM-7
