The operations resulted in 24 arrests and the seizure of explosives, machinery, and illegally harvested timber.
As part of military operations aimed at protecting natural resources, troops from the 30th National Brigade, in coordination with the National Police,
achieved significant operational results in the department of Norte de Santander, disrupting illicit activities related to the illegal exploitation of mining deposits.
In an initial operation, troops from the 5th Mechanized Cavalry Group carried out an operation in the rural area of Tejarito, municipality of San Cayetano, where 23 individuals were arrested for engaging in coal mining activities without the required legal permits.
During the operation, authorities seized 69 sticks of homemade explosives, 9 sticks of Indugel-type ((hydrogel) explosives, two generators, a compressor, a dump truck engine, a jackhammer, three chainsaws, a welder, two grinders, four power drills, ten shovels, two carts, two picks, an air compressor, and a hydraulic hammer,
all items used in this illegal activity.In a second incident, our troops from the 5th Mechanized Cavalry Group, in coordination with the Cúcuta Metropolitan Police, conducted a vehicle search in the Oripaya sector of Cúcuta and arrested an individual for the crime of illegal exploitation of renewable natural resources. During the operation, a truck and 16 cubic meters of sawn timber were seized, the illegal origin of which was confirmed during the inspection.
Immediate legal proceedings were initiated.
The seized materials and the arrested individuals were handed over to the competent authorities for prosecution. Additionally, control measures and the military presence in the affected areas were strengthened to prevent the resumption of these illegal activities.
The National Army reaffirms its commitment to defending the environment, protecting natural resources, and waging a direct fight against illicit economies that threaten security, sustainable development, and the well-being of communities.
Source:
Second Division Press.
