Nearly 200 arrested in cross-border crackdown on gold mining in Amazon

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Associated Press in BogotáJanuary 22, 2026 at 02:08 PM

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A joint cross-border operation involving Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname, with support from Interpol, the EU, and Dutch police, resulted in nearly 200 arrests targeting illegal gold mining in the Amazon region. The operation, conducted across remote border areas, involved over 24,500 checks and led to the seizure of cash, gold, mercury, firearms, drugs, and mining equipment. The arrests included individuals suspected of gold smuggling and money laundering in Guyana. The initiative aimed to combat the environmental damage and social harm caused by illegal gold mining, which drives deforestation, pollutes rivers with mercury, and affects Indigenous communities. Authorities also seized counterfeit goods and intercepted undocumented migrants during the operation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

South America 50% Valdecy Urquiza 50% European Union 60% Brazil 70% French Guiana 70% Suriname ×270% Interpol ×380% Guyana ×480% Amazon ×290%

Keywords

illegal gold mining 100% amazon region 80% cross-border operation 70% mercury 60% environmental crime 60% organised crime 50% gold smuggling 50% river pollution 50% deforestation 50% interpol 40%