The Ministry of Culture of Peru announced on May 16 that it stopped illegal excavation and soil removal activities at the Huaca La Alameda archaeological site, located in the La Ensenada urbanization, third stage, in the district of Pimentel, Lambayeque. The intervention was carried out by specialists from the Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) of Lambayeque and officers from the Tourism Police after a citizen reported clandestine work at the northwest sector of the site.
This action is significant as it aims to protect Peru’s cultural heritage from irreversible damage caused by unauthorized activities. The use of heavy machinery—including a front loader and four dump trucks—was reportedly causing substantial harm to national heritage assets.
During a technical inspection, experts found fragments of pre-Hispanic ceramics and malacological remains scattered due to excavation, removal, and leveling operations. They also identified adobe walls with clay plaster dating back to pre-Hispanic times and additional ceramic vessel fragments exposed in cut profiles made by machinery. The affected area is estimated at about 1,000 square meters. Authorities also seized 21 wooden stretchers believed to have been set up as watch posts or camps for carrying out these illicit activities. A clandestine water supply point was also detected.
At the time of inspection, those responsible for the excavations were not identified. However, officials said that legal actions will continue through its Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine accountability and ensure protection for archaeological heritage under existing law.
The director of DDC Lambayeque Carlos Wester La Torre participated in this operation alongside technical staff and police officers. The Ministry urges citizens to report any activity threatening national cultural heritage using dedicated phone lines or email contacts provided by local authorities.
The Ministry plays an active role in fostering social inclusion by protecting heritage sites across Peru through decentralized facilities as well as its headquarters in San Borja; it works under ministerial leadership within Peru’s Executive Branch according to the official website.
