Definition

Organized crime networks that illegally mine and sell river sand for construction, operating with surprising violence given their seemingly mundane product. Sand is the second-most consumed resource after water, making this a billion-dollar black market that's destroying ecosystems. Yes, there are actual turf wars over dirt.

Example Usage

The documentary exposed how the sand mafia has corrupted local officials and decimated riverbanks across Southeast Asia.

Source: Urban Dictionary (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Sand%20mafia&defid=18588437)

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