So far this year, Caribbean Naval Force troops have found 140rudimentaryal dredgers, 27 backhoes and 333 motor pumps.
In the framework of the Artemisa Plan, the Colombian Navy and the National Army, in a successful joint operation, managed to find yellow machinery and elements used for illegal mining in the municipality of Nechí, Antioquia.
The procedures carried out in the sectors of Las Flores, Mandingo and La Esperanza in the municipality of Antioquia, led to the finding of three dragon and Buzo (diver) type dredges, as well as 11 Diesel engines, motor pumps and a power generator. The authorities in the same way found 161 grams of mercury that were abandoned on the banks of the river by some individuals when they noticed the work of the Military Forces. This chemical element poses a threat to the ecosystem, endangering animals.
The successful result occurred during five river search and control operations, carried out during the first days of November, by units of the River Navy Battalion No.17 of the Colombian Navy and Troops of the Special Energy and Road Battalion No.5 of the National Army, attached to the Joint Task Force Marte, who carried out the procedures that led to stop the damages against the environment, caused by the contamination of water sources with toxic substances.
No arrests were made during the operations. Meanwhile, the material found was put into custody of the Nechí Municipal Police.
In this way, the Military Forces once again reaffirm their commitment to the preservation and defense of water, biodiversity and natural resources, preventing this machinery from continuing to be used for the illegal exploitation of mining sites. The authorities invite citizens to report any suspicious activity that endangers life, natural resources and security in the Caribbean region.
Source: press-Colombian Navy
