VOICES FOR THE AMAZON
en
arzh-CNnlenfrdeitptrues

El Comercio and Peru.21 reported that 1500 police and troops dynamited $23 million worth of heavy machinery used in illicit and unregulated gold mining in Madre de Dios.  The operation was the first such action since a nationwide ban on illicit mining took effect April 19.  Security forces accompanied by prosecutors blew up backhoes, generators, and water pumps in the Huaypetue district.  Most of the equipment destroyed belongs to the Baca-Casas illicit mining band and included 15 backhoes and 45 big motors used to suck water from rivers and nine dredges.

Photo: Andina / Carlos Lezama
Note: Also covered by AP.  El Comercio 10, Andina.