With this result it was possible to stop the serious environmental damage that was devastating the jungle area and the rivers of this important region.
Within the framework of the Perseo Plan, in a joint and coordinated operation troops of the Military Forces and the Police, dealt a resounding blow against the illicit exploitation of mining deposits, environmental depredation and pollution of water sources in the jungles of Guainía.
Thanks to intelligence work, in the first operation, an illicit gold extraction zone was found. It extended by more than four kilometers in the sector known as Chorro Bocón, where six units of illegal mining production, 3000 meters of hose and various accessories used for the illicit, costing more than 60 million pesos, were destroyed.
In the second action, during river control patrols on the Inírida River, the Military Forces found a boat carrying 10 engines, 28 rotors, communication radios and other elements that would be used for the illicit extraction of gold; these elements would cost more than 130 million pesos.
This result prevents the illicit extraction of more than 2,300 grams of gold per month, which in the illegal market could reach a cost of more than 600 million pesos.
It is important to highlight that the illicit extraction of gold brings with it the depredation of the vegetation layer in the jungle, the indiscriminate logging of forests, as well as the pollution of rivers with waste resulting of the landslide of material and the use of chemicals which are used without any environmental control or management that prevents damage to flora and fauna.
It is estimated that more than 30 years will have to pass to recover the vegetation layer hit in the sector, and it is estimated that the environmental damage is irreparable due to the fact that the excavations reached a depth of 12 meters, creating sediment and mud lagoons that have decreased the fertility of the soil and, therefore, they hind the germination of new plants.
Military operations are conducted in the area with the aim of finding other illegal contractions or machinery used by the criminals.
In this way, the Military and the Police ratify their commitment to the conservation and preservation of the natural resources of our country.
Source: Strategic Communications - CGFM
