Manaus (AM) – Operation Poraquê has made significant progress in defending and protecting the Amazon. Among its results are seizures of drugs, money, gold and weapons, as well as the destruction of dredges and boats used for illegal mining. Operation Poraquê is not scheduled to end, and the Amazon Military Command’s prompt response to the region’s defense is permanent.
The actions are based on intelligence data provided by the Management and Operational Center of the Amazon Protection System and the 4th Military Intelligence Battalion. The operation employs three helicopters, more than 50 boats, as well as optronic devices, thermal sensors, intelligence images and drones. In all, around 300 Brazilian Army soldiers are working in the region, supported by highly trained men and women from other agencies.
The operation is being conducted through collaboration between various agencies, such as IBAMA, ICMBio, FUNAI, DSEI and the 5th Regional Police Station in Tefé. This is a major strategic integration for monitoring and combating crimes in the border region.
So far, 167 dredges have been intercepted and destroyed. Approximately 5 tons of skunk marijuana, half a ton of cocaine base paste, 245g of gold, R$45,000.00 in cash and 130,000 liters of fuel have also been seized. All this material is associated with illegal mining and other environmental crimes.