Peruvian forces seize weapons and detain two gang members in Pataz mining raid

The Unified Command of Pataz, comprising the Peruvian Armed Forces and the National Police, executed the "Triángulo de las Bermudas" operation on 16 June 2026 in the Los Cedros settlement of Pataz province, La Libertad. The raid was aimed at curbing illegal mining and organized crime that had taken control of a local mine.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspected members of the criminal organization and the seizure of a rifle, a pistol, four magazines, more than 200 rounds of ammunition and other military equipment. The detainees and the confiscated items were handed over to the competent authorities for further investigation, amid an ongoing state of emergency in the province.