Bolivian Navy cracks illegal gold mines in Madidi and ramps up Lake Titicaca anti‑contraband patrols

The Bolivian Navy’s Port Captaincy "Río Beni" and the Ballivián Naval Base, together with park guards from Madidi National Park, carried out a two‑day operation in the remote headwaters of the Tequeje River in Ixiamas, La Paz. The force destroyed five illegal alluvial gold‑mining camps, disabling pumps, hoses, and other equipment and causing an estimated loss of about 200,000 bolivianos for the miners.

In a separate effort on Lake Titicaca, the Navy’s Port Captaincy Guaquí intensified surveillance to curb "reverse contraband" shipments of food, fuel and other goods bound for Peru. Officers patrolled roughly 15 nautical miles for four hours, stopping and inspecting vessels. Captain Nicanor Ossio said, "We have fulfilled our objectives… we have been able to maintain a presence within the jurisdiction," even though no illegal cargo was found. The operation aims to deter future smuggling and protect the border region.