Illegal mining dredges and rafts were destroyed during an operation on the Madeira River on Thursday (18). Operation Eldorado took place in Porto Velho and Nova Mamoré, in the state of Rondônia. According to the Federal Police, eight rafts and dredges that were used to extract gold from the Madeira River were destroyed. Agents from Ibama, the Brazilian Army and the Border and Border Police Battalion (BPFron) took part in the operation. During the action, 18 other dredgers and rafts were also inspected to check that the vessels complied with environmental legislation for mineral extraction. Those responsible for the dredges and rafts could face charges of usurping federal property and extracting mineral resources without permission.

Fonte: Agência Amazônia