In a rapid and forceful intervention, the authorities recently carried out an important operation against illegal mining in the district of Mariano Dámaso Beraún, province of Leoncio Prado.
The action allowed the capture of four people who were caught carrying out clandestine mineral extraction in the Derrepente River, near the La Esperanza hamlet, in an area close to the Carpish Montane Forest Regional Conservation Area (ACR).
The operation was carried out by the National Police, park rangers from the ACR Carpish and a team from the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Environmental Matters. During the intervention, Joel Eliseo Zapana Mamani (24), a native of Puno, was arrested, as well as Huanuqueños Eduardo Ortiz Fructus (34), Wilmer Cierto Espinoza (33) and Lincoln Rodríguez Calixto (22), who are being investigated for flagrant crime against the environment, specifically for activities linked to illegal mining.
In the homes of those involved, the authorities found tools, materials and various supplies used for the illicit extraction of minerals. Likewise, they proceeded to destroy a dredge and other equipment used in the area, in order to prevent them from continuing to affect the ecosystem of the Derrepente River, one of the most impacted by this illegal activity. The case remains under investigation.
