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Peru Forces Seize War-Grade Arms and Arrest Suspects in Pataz Mine Raids

Officials say the operation is part of a campaign to end armed criminal control of illegal mines under an expanded state of emergency.

Overview

  • The Comando Unificado Pataz (CUPAZ) carried out the operation “Triángulo de las Bermudas” on Wednesday, detaining two suspected gang members in Los Cedros and arresting mine worker Víctor César Arévalo Inuma after finding multiple assault rifles.
  • Authorities recovered military-grade weapons including an AM-15, two CZ BREN 2 carbines, a separate assault rifle, a pistol, several magazines and roughly 200–1,700 rounds across recent raids.
  • All detainees and seized materiel were turned over to local police and the Ministerio Público to begin prosecutions and forensic review of the weapons and ammunition.
  • The raids used powers from Supreme Decree No. 084-2026-PCM, a state of emergency in effect from June 5 to August 5 that expands identity checks and territorial control to disrupt illicit mining networks.
  • Officials say preliminary investigations show criminal groups had taken operational control of a mine shaft to provide armed 'security' for illegal extraction, and authorities warn patrols and interdiction will continue while probes and prosecutions proceed.