Overview

• Security units operating as CUPAZ moved into the Vijus annex of Pataz, La Libertad, on October 15 to disrupt an illicit gold‑processing hub.
• Authorities destroyed an artisanal processing plant and seized or destroyed 20 mills, four generators, four water pumps, 19 gas cylinders, two gold burners, two electronic scales and four motorcycles.
• The haul included 120 sacks of auriferous material, 800 sacks of tailings, 3 kilograms of mercury, 60 kilograms of borax, six sacks of lime, two cyanidation pools and four chemical drums, valued at S/628,900.
• Nine suspects were taken into custody, and investigators extracted samples of chemical inputs for forensic testing in line with legal procedures.
• Representatives of SUCAMEC, FEMA, GREMH, MINEM and SUNAT joined the Armed Forces and National Police, with commanders signaling continued, sustained operations in the area.