Government Allocates R$ 500 Million to Fight Criminal Factions in Ports and Airports

The Brazilian government has allocated approximately R$ 500 million to curb the activity of criminal factions through enhanced surveillance at ports and airports – deemed key routes for the trafficking of drugs and weapons abroad.

This initiative is part of a joint effort between the Ministries of Justice and Ports and Airports, the Federal Revenue Service, and the Federal Police. Last year, the Brazilian federal government deployed military personnel under Operation Guarantee of Law and Order (GLO), which lasted a whole seven months. 

“We have been working to bring technology and governance as tools to enhance surveillance at ports and airports. We are committing nearly R$ 500 million in technology to integrate the measures better and reduce drug trafficking in Brazilian ports and airports,” said the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, in an interview with VEJA.

Costa Filho explained that the measure primarily focuses on intelligence and monitoring at terminal entry and exit points.

Criminal factions have become increasingly audacious, even using divers to insert marijuana and cocaine into the hulls of ships docked at ports. Furthermore, another increasingly more common strategy is recruiting employees from companies operating at these locations, which adds a new challenge for surveying authorities.

According to the Federal Police, more than one ton of drugs intended for trafficking by the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) has already been held in Brazilian ports this year.

Increased Focus on Borders

In addition to enhancing surveillance in ports and airports, the government is also looking for solutions to improve oversight at the country’s land borders.

Minister Silvio Costa Filho noted that there is particular concern about the northern region, where drug trafficking is becoming more prevalent. He stated that the Ministry of Justice is developing an investment plan to improve enforcement in that area.

Source: Veja

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