Federal agents carried out an operation yesterday, 8 February, to curb illegal mining and the consequent degradation of the region's ecosystem. Fifty-two dredges and rafts used exclusively for the criminal activity of extracting gold from the riverbed were rendered unusable. The Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, Ibama, took part in the operation. The criminal practice of illegal mineral extraction, using toxic materials dumped in rivers, directly affects human health and the fauna and flora of the entire locality. The Federal Police and other agencies must remain in the region to protect the environment and bring to justice those who insist on extracting natural resources illegally.

Source: Amazon Agency