Paraguayan authorities have made significant strides in combating illegal deforestation along the country's borders with Brazil and Argentina. Interpol announced the arrest of 26 individuals in connection with suspected illegal deforestation activities. The operation, which took place in mid-October, involved collaboration among 14 different agencies.
The crackdown utilized various methods, including border inspections, waterway surveillance, and aerial monitoring of forests. As a result, approximately 1,000 logs were seized, including valuable quebracho wood known for its density and high tannin content.
Interpol revealed that 12 companies were implicated in the alleged deforestation and trafficking of native tree species. The operation identified two criminal networks involved in illegal logging, timber trafficking, and the use of fake documents to traffic illegal wood.
Interpol emphasized the urgent need for continued multi-agency and cross-border cooperation to combat criminal networks profiting from environmental devastation. The agency has been increasing its presence in the Tri-Border area, a region prone to various illegal activities due to its geographical characteristics.
Experts warn that organized crime groups are increasingly exploiting forested areas for illegal extraction of resources. Deforestation in South America, driven by activities such as cattle ranching, soybean cultivation, logging, and mining, has severe environmental consequences, including erosion, biodiversity loss, and increased flooding risks.
Despite some progress in curbing deforestation, Latin America lost 138 million hectares of forest between 1990 and 2020, according to a United Nations report. Criminal groups, including drug trafficking organizations, are diversifying their investments into illicit markets like timber, wildlife, and gold, exacerbating deforestation.
While the environmental impact of drug trafficking in Latin America is relatively small compared to legal industries like agriculture, drug money laundered through these activities accelerates deforestation. Efforts to combat illegal deforestation must address the complex web of criminal activities financing environmental degradation in the region.
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