BELÉM, BRAZIL - A pilot was fined and will face environmental crime charges after being identified during a joint operation by federal agencies targeting illegal mining on the border between the Brazilian states of Pará and Amapá, in the Amazon region, authorities said.

According to officials, the aircraft had been modified to transport cargo and was carrying supplies intended to support illegal mining sites.Targets of the operation included airstrips and two ports used as logistical support hubs for clandestine mining operations.

Authorities said the routes were considered strategic for transporting machinery, parts and supplies to areas of illegal mineral extraction. The operation took place between Feb. 3 and Feb. 8 and was disclosed on Monday (Feb. 9).

Agents operated in the Jari Ecological Station and the Paru State Forest, areas where mining activity is prohibited. In addition to the aircraft, several pieces of logistical support, maintenance and operational equipment used in illegal mining were destroyed during the operation.

Amazon Agency