AMAZONAS, BRAZIL — Brazil’s Federal Police, in an integrated operation with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), conducted Operation Golden Hydra from Sept. 21 to 25 to combat illegal gold mining on the Madeira River, in the stretch between the Amazonas municipalities of Autazes and Novo Aripuanã.

During the four days of enforcement operations, 18 actions were carried out, resulting in the issuance of two violation notices, 17 seizure orders and 18 destruction orders.

As a result of the operation, 22 dredges used for illegal gold extraction and five vessels used to provide logistical support for the criminal activity were destroyed. Authorities also seized a 9 mm firearm, ammunition and three cellphones, which will be analyzed and may provide evidence for ongoing investigations.

In addition to enforcement and seizure measures, the operation aims to gather evidence to deepen investigations into the economic and logistical chain that sustains the illicit activity.

Amazon Agency