Bahia prosecutors launch operation against drug smuggling at Brumado prison

On March 9, the Bahia Public Prosecutor's Office (MP‑BA) initiated the “Operation Bodyscan” to investigate an organized drug‑smuggling scheme inside the Brumado prison. The operation was carried out by the Special Action Group against Criminal Organizations (Gaeco) and the Special Action Group for Penal Execution (Gaep), together with the 3rd and 4th Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Brumado.

Authorities executed two search and seizure warrants at residences near the prison. Investigations indicate that the scheme used staff from the prison’s dental health service, with one participant exploiting a special health condition to bypass the electronic body‑scanner and bring illicit substances into the facility, where they were then distributed to identified inmates. The ongoing inquiry aims to gather further evidence, identify additional participants and delineate the full scope of the conduct. Seized material will be examined in a later stage of the investigation.