A Unified Command in Madre de Dios, Peru, has arrested 13 individuals suspected of being members of the criminal organization known as ‘Los Guardianes de la Pampa’ (The Guardians of the Pampa). The group is currently under investigation for allegedly extorting illegal miners operating in the Madre de Dios region. The extortion reportedly involved the collection of ‘cupos,’ or fees, from miners. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the specific locations within Madre de Dios where the arrests were made or the full extent of the alleged extortion scheme. This operation represents a significant effort to combat illegal activities and organized crime impacting the mining sector in the area. Further investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network and bring all involved parties to justice. The arrests signal a crackdown on illicit operations targeting vulnerable miners in Madre de Dios.