'I'll rip your head off': Gang's grip over gold mines sows terror in Peru's La Pampa
France 24
by Forbidden StoriesFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Peru’s La Pampa region, once a lush tropical forest and part of the biodiverse Tambopata National Reserve, has become a hotspot for illegal gold mining controlled by the violent Guardianes de la Trocha gang. This criminal organization has taken over the area, using fear and corruption to silence opposition and exploit the region’s rich natural resources. The article highlights how the gang’s operations have turned the once-thriving ecosystem into a wasteland, with toxic waste polluting waterways, dead palm trees, and abandoned mining equipment scattered across farmland.
Local farmers like Diego Torres face daily threats as illegal miners operate openly on his land, protected by armed guards and even nearby military bases. After reporting the intrusions to authorities, Torres found himself powerless when police failed to act or arrested miners in his absence. The gang’s control extends beyond environmental destruction; they’ve targeted journalists like Manuel Calloquispe, who dared to expose their activities. Calloquispe has faced relentless intimidation, including death threats from the gang’s leaders, forcing him into hiding multiple times.
The situation in La Pampa underscores the intersection of organized crime and environmental exploitation. The Guardianes de la Trocha gang operates with impunity, using fear tactics to suppress dissent and control the gold-mining trade. Their actions not only harm the environment but also threaten free journalism, as seen in Calloquispe’s case. His investigation into gang leader Edison Fernandez Perez revealed internal conflicts within the group, leading to direct threats on his life.
This story matters because it sheds light on the broader crisis of illegal mining and organized crime in Peru’s Amazon region. The lack of accountability for environmental destruction and human rights abuses highlights systemic failures in governance and law enforcement. As global concerns over deforestation and biodiversity grow, cases like
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on France 24 on 2/13/2026