The Federal Police carried out 'Operation Terra Viva' until Thursday (12) with the aim of combating illegal mining in the Solimões River, in the interior of Amazonas.
The operation, which began on Monday (9), resulted in the destruction of ten dredges and equipment used in illegal mining.
The actions took place near the municipalities of Tabatinga and Santo Antônio do Içá, in the far west of Amazonas.
The National Indian Foundation (Funai) and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMbio) are participating in the operation.
The PF initiated 'Operation Terra Viva' after the agency's intelligence identified illegal mining activities for gold extraction in the region.
ICMbio reported that the support for the operation aims to preserve the rivers and tributaries of the municipalities.
Chemical materials such as mercury are widely used by miners and can contaminate rivers that are important to riverside communities and indigenous tribes in the region.
The Federal Police did not report how many people were arrested in the operation.
According to the PF, the activities are financed by large criminal organizations operating in the country.

Source: Amazon Agency