AMAZONAS, BRAZIL - The number of illegal mining dredges destroyed by Brazil’s Federal Police (PF) in the Madeira River has risen to 98, as part of Operation Boiúna targeting illicit mining in the Amazon region.

The latest figures were released late Tuesday (Sept. 16), following the second day of the ongoing operation in the municipalities of Humaitá and Manicoré, in the state of Amazonas, and in neighboring Rondônia state.

According to the report, 71 dredges were destroyed in Amazonas on the first day, and an additional 27 on the second day. In total, 177 pieces of equipment have been neutralized across both states.

The dredges, commonly used in illegal mining operations, are floating platforms designed to extract minerals—primarily gold—from rivers and submerged riverbeds. They operate much like large vacuum cleaners or aquatic excavators.

The operation is being led by the Federal Police, with support from the Federal Highway Police, the National Public Security Force, and other government agencies, under a court order issued by the Federal Court of Amazonas.

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