Pataz: 26 people arrested and weapons seized in operation against illegal mining

An operation against illegal mining in Pataz allowed the intervention of 26 people allegedly linked to the criminal organization “The New Alliance” and the seizure of a major arsenal of weapons and ammunition. The actions were carried out by Unified Command Pataz (CUPAZ), comprising the Armed Forces and the National Police of Peru, in the La Porfía sector, Pataz province, region Freedom.

The interventions were developed based on intelligence information that alerted about the presence of members of said organization in different points of the area, where weapons intended for illicit activities linked to the illegal mining en Pataz.

The first operation was carried out in the early morning of Saturday, June 6. Information gathered by military intelligence allowed for the identification of a house in the lower part of Stubbornness where alleged members of the organization were taking refuge and keeping long-range weapons.

Against it, the operation was activated “Iron Sentinel”, which included the participation of personnel from the Joint Special Force (FEC), GRECCO, DINOES, and military intelligence. As a result, 17 people were apprehended and two 7.62 caliber AKM rifles, two R15 rifles, a pistol with loaded magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition of various calibers, magazines, and tactical vests were seized.

Hours later, a new alert detected armed individuals moving towards a home near the Camilo Villalva mine shaft. This information prompted a second joint operation between operatives from the CUPAZ, military intelligence and police station personnel PNP Alto Pataz.

According to the official report, the suspects attempted to leave the area after noticing a surveillance drone used by law enforcement. However, the security cordon deployed in the area foiled their escape and led to the apprehension of nine additional individuals.

During this second action against the illegal mining In Pataz, two AR-15 type rifles, a modified Mini Uzi submachine gun, as well as various caliber weapons and ammunition were seized.

The authorities indicated that both operations are part of the security strategy implemented to combat illegal mining and the criminal organizations that operate in the province of Pataz, one of the areas most affected by this illicit activity in the country.

The Ministry of Defense reported that it will continue to carry out operations against illegal mining in coordination with the National Police and other state entities, with the objective of strengthening security and regaining control in areas impacted by illegal economies.