New York Times uncovers cartel gold mining on Colombian military base
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Apr 26
New York Times uncovers cartel gold mining on Colombian military base
6 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Apr 26
Drone footage revealed miners using high-pressure hoses inside the Rifles Battalion 31 base in northwestern Colombia, with operations extending beyond the former perimeter fence.
The illegal mining supports the Clan del Golfo cartel and highlights failures by Colombian institutions to prevent such activities, even under military oversight.
After being shown evidence, the base’s commander, Col. Daniel Echeverry, denied any mining was occurring, underscoring ongoing challenges in combating cartel-linked resource exploitation.
As illegal mining outpaces cocaine profits, is your jewelry funding cartels?
Is the 'narco-minería' on a Colombian base the tip of a continental iceberg?
With its commander denying facts, can Colombia's Rifles Battalion 31 be trusted again?
How deep does cartel infiltration run within Colombia's military command?
Can new US laws effectively stop the flow of blood-soaked gold from the Amazon?
As armed groups grow under 'Total Peace,' is Colombia spiraling back into chaos?
La Macarena Scandal: How Clan del Golfo’s $3,000/Ounce Gold Operation Thrived Within Colombia’s Army
Overview
In April 2026, a New York Times investigation exposed the Clan del Golfo's illegal gold mining operation inside a Colombian military base, revealing deep collusion between cartel members and military personnel. This scandal highlighted serious institutional failures and triggered criminal investigations and government pledges to end illegal mining on military grounds. Gold has become the cartel's main revenue source, fueling environmental destruction, toxic contamination, and human rights abuses against Indigenous communities. The incomplete peace process has allowed armed groups to fiercely compete for gold-rich territories, worsening violence and insecurity. Globally, illicit gold from these operations infiltrates markets, including the U.S. Mint, exposing weaknesses in anti-money laundering efforts and prompting calls for stronger international cooperation and regulation.