The machinery would have a cost of more than 1,200 million pesos.
In a decisive river operation, the Colombian Navy managed to prevent an illegal mining activity in the village of El Alto, in the municipality of Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé - Nariño. During the intervention, they found three excavators operating without authorization in the sector, generating serious consequences on natural resources.
The operation was conducted by troops of the Navy Infantry River Battalion No. 43, who used advanced reconnaissance and river assault tactics to verify the area, showing that the machinery lacked the mining title through which the exploration and exploitation of the soil and subsoil is authorized, issued by the National Mining Agency. At the same time, they confirmed the absence of the transportation guide, the ID card and the GPS equipment, which underlined the illegality of these activities.
The excavators, which would have been valued at 1,200 million pesos, were found by troops by the Colombian Sailors, severely damaging these criminal activities that deteriorate natural resources.
The yellow machinery was put into custody of the National Police, who is carrying out the corresponding procedures.
It is worth mentioning that illegal mining in the Colombian South Pacific has a devastating impact on water sources and the environment. The excessive exploitation of minerals causes the deforestation of native forests, alters ecosystems and pollutes water bodies with heavy metals and toxic substances. In addition, these illegal activities undermine the safety and well-being of local communities, generating conflicts and degrading the quality of life of the inhabitants.
Similarly, article 332 of the Colombian Penal Code criminalizes the illicit exploitation of mining and other mineral deposits, and establishes penalties of 32 to 144 months in prison and fines exceeding 130 monthly legal minimum wages for anyone who, without permission of the authority, carries out these activities.
Source: Navy of Colombia
