LColombian security forces have carried out an operation against illegal mining in the department of Chocó. The intervention, carried out in the San Isidro sector of the municipality of Río Quito, was carried out by units of the Marine Infantry River Battalion No.16 of the Navy and the “First of the Line” Infantry Battalion No.12 of the National Army, belonging to the Joint Task Force “Titan”, in coordination with the National Police. The operation resulted in the discovery and controlled destruction of a significant amount of machinery and equipment used in illegal mining.
Among the neutralized elements are seven mining production units, seven dredges, seven motor pumps, seven power generating engines, one excavator and 14 industrial engines. These devices are commonly used in illegal mineral extraction and their destruction represents a major blow to illegal mining operations in the region.
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The authorities estimate that the destroyed machinery had an approximate value of nine billion pesos. Beyond the direct economic impact, this operation has significant implications for the finances of criminal groups in the area. According to reports from security forces, the destruction of this equipment would have prevented the Organized Armed Group “Clan del Golfo” from receiving monthly income estimated at more than 10 billion pesos.
The Colombian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of the country’s maritime, river and coastal spaces. In its statement, the institution indicates that it will continue to carry out search and control operations to deny these spaces to criminal groups. In addition, it has made a call to the community to report illegal organizations involved in illicit mining, highlighting the irreparable damage that these activities cause to the environment.
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