Banabuiú residents queue for water following criminal extortion

Residents of Banabuiú, Ceará, have faced significant water shortages after members of the Comando Vermelho criminal faction allegedly began extorting local distributors. Reports indicate the group demanded a weekly fee of R$ 750 and required merchants to obtain unauthorized permission to sell and transport mineral water.

In response to the threats, local vendors temporarily suspended sales, leading to long queues of citizens attempting to secure supplies. To restore service, the Ceará State Government launched an operation involving the Secretariat of Public Security and Social Defense (SSPDS) and the water utility company Cagece. This operation includes a specialized distribution system where Cagece transports water directly from suppliers to the municipality under police escort.

Authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the extortion attempts. During these police actions, officers seized a .38 caliber revolver, ammunition, mobile phones, a notebook, and cash. Investigations are ongoing to identify the individual allegedly responsible for ordering the threats.