Port of Itaguaí: Police Busts “Permanent Structure” For Drug Trafficking

Agents of the Federal Police launched Operation Nephelos on Tuesday morning (14) at the Port of Itaguaí. While investigating international drug trafficking at the terminal, the police discovered a “permanent structure” for illegal practices.

According to the Federal Police, the investigation began in April 2021 with the seizure of 342 kg of cocaine at the Port of Itaguaí. The drugs were stored in wooden logs inside a container destined for Europe – the operation indicates that African countries were also the destination for the narcotics leaving Itaguaí.

In Tuesday’s action, federal police executed an arrest warrant and 25 search and seizure warrants issued by the 4th Federal Court of Rio de Janeiro. As of the closing of this article, the Federal Police had not released the operation’s outcome.

In addition to Itaguaí, the actions also extended to other cities, such as Nova Iguaçu, Duque de Caxias, São João de Meriti, Itaboraí, Angra dos Reis, and Santos.

OTHER CRIMES

The investigations by the Federal Police also point to other criminal activities by the same gang besides drug trafficking. These include the illegal trade of firearms, using various mechanisms to circumvent port and customs inspections, corruption of minors, and money laundering through the acquisition of vehicles, horses, boats, and real estate.

It is worth noting that due to a Guarantee of Law and Order (GLO) signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), the Armed Forces have been operating since the 6th in ports and airports in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The Federal Police reports that the corporation has reinforced its staff due to this measure.

The Brazilian Navy, through the Captaincy of the Ports in Itacuruçá, participated in the action on Tuesday by intensifying its efforts in the Sepetiba Bay. The goal was to prevent possible escape attempts.

According to the Federal Police, the name Nephelos is related to malice, falsehood, error, and deception, which would be tools used by the gang in their crimes.

Source: Jornal Atual

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