On Monday, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) donated 502 kg of food to social institutions in Boa Vista, Brazil. The food was seized during an operation against illegal mining in the Yanomami Territory, with items valued at approximately R$ 2,500. The ongoing battle against illegal mining activities has severe implications for both the environment and local communities.

The seized food items included basic staple goods such as rice, beans, oil, pasta, salt, and coffee, along with non-essential products like Nutella hazelnut spread jars, chocolate boxes, industrial snacks, soft drinks, and canned sardines, which were intended for illegal miners. This assistance reflects an effort not only to alleviate food insecurity among vulnerable populations but also to respond to illegal activities that threaten indigenous lands and ecosystems.

The operation that led to these seizures occurred last Thursday, when the Federal Police destroyed a small aircraft linked to illegal mining activities in the Iracema municipality region. By redistributing these seized goods, Ibama is addressing both the immediate needs of social institutions and the long-term goal of eradicating illegal mining while safeguarding the rights of indigenous peoples and the integrity of the environment in Roraima.