Police Shut Down Illegal Mining Tunnels in Azuay, Ecuador

In a coordinated inter-institutional effort to curb environmental crimes, Ecuadorian police have conducted a tactical operation against illegal mining in Azuay province, specifically targeting the canton of Camilo Ponce Enríquez. The joint operation resulted in the closure of three underground extraction access points and the seizure of nearly two tons of clandestinely extracted mineral resources.

The intervention was spearheaded by the National Directorate of Judicial Police Investigation, with technical coordination from the Agency for Regulation and Control of Mining (ARCOM) and support from the Armed Forces. Units were deployed to the Shumiral sector, where agents from the National Unit for Investigation of Crimes Against the Environment and Nature (UNIDCAN) carried out controls based on prior intelligence to detect unauthorized mineral exploitation activities.

During the search of the targeted area, officers discovered three active mining entrances used for illicit mineral extraction, along with various tools employed for underground work. Authorities proceeded to seize 1,980 kilograms of mineralized material. Following the security of the perimeter, police personnel and ARCOM technical inspectors formally disabled the three mining entrances by affixing seals prohibiting mining activities.

This administrative and operational measure aims to permanently halt unregulated extractive work in the sector. The police institution emphasized that these actions are integral to its plan to counteract crimes that harm nature and natural resources. The public order agency reiterated its commitment to maintaining focused operations to weaken illicit economies linked to unregulated exploitation, thereby preventing these revenues from financing criminal structures and protecting Ecuador's strategic resources.