BELÉM, BRAZIL — Brazil’s Federal Police conducted an operation against illegal mining in the municipality of Santa Maria das Barreiras, in Pará state.

Three sites used for illegal mineral extraction were shut down on Wednesday (Aug. 5). Three hydraulic excavators were also seized. The Federal Police announced the operation on Thursday (Aug. 6).

According to the Federal Police, the operation dismantled three illegal mining fronts.

“The operation aimed to halt unauthorized mineral extraction and curb environmental crimes in the region,” the Federal Police said.

Less than a week earlier, Federal Police had also shut down an illegal mining site in the same municipality. According to the agency, Wednesday’s operation took place in the same region but targeted different mining sites.

Support infrastructure used in the illegal activity was also rendered unusable, police said. Images released by the Federal Police show areas of deforestation amid the forest.

No arrests were made. The investigation is ongoing to identify everyone involved and any individuals who may have financed the illegal activity.

Amazon Agency