Peru and Colombia seize illegal gold‑mining equipment in joint crackdowns

In the Peruvian Amazon region of Madre de Dios, a joint operation by the armed forces, the National Police and the environmental prosecutor’s office seized and destroyed equipment and supplies used for illegal gold mining. Authorities reported the confiscated assets were valued at roughly S/ 1.5 million and included heavy machinery, pumps, fuel cylinders and thousands of metres of pipe and cable.

In Colombia’s Chocó department, a coordinated raid involving the army, navy, police and the prosecutor’s office destroyed 81 illegal mining units in the rural area of San Isidro, Rio Quito. The operation eliminated 15 Brazilian‑style dredges, 66 engines and 88 suction pumps, and seized mercury, phones and other communication gear. Officials estimated the destroyed machinery represented a loss of about 38 billion Colombian pesos to the Clan del Golfo, which has used gold‑mining proceeds to finance its activities. Both crackdowns aim to curb environmental damage and cut funding for criminal groups.