Panóptico operation in Paraná leads multi‑state crackdown on organized crime
A coordinated law‑enforcement wave swept Brazil in mid‑June, targeting organized crime, drug trafficking and related offenses. In Paraná, the Gaeco‑led Operation Panóptico (Convergência Nacional PR‑01) mobilised about a thousand police officers across 34 municipalities and three other states. Authorities executed 559 judicial mandates—304 arrests and 255 searches—resulting in the detention of six suspects, the seizure of roughly 1.2 kg of cocaine, 670 g of crack, 700 g of marijuana, eight firearms and about R$12 000 in cash, plus a drug‑lab premises in Curitiba.
In Bahia, the Federal Police’s Operation Farol da Caatinga fulfilled six search warrants in Senhor do Bonfim and surrounding towns, arresting four suspects and seizing drugs, firearms, money and vehicles. The state’s Police Civil also launched Operation Gênesis, deploying more than 300 officers in 80 teams across Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina. The raid targeted a criminal group linked to at least 15 murders, resulting in 16 arrests and the confiscation of high‑power weapons and ammunition.
Other simultaneous actions included Operation Malus Noctua in Mato Grosso (37 warrants, 17 arrests), Operation Tentaculum in Ilhéus (24 warrants, asset blocks of R$16.5 million) and Operation Guardians of Tomorrow 7 in Paraná against child sexual abuse, which led to a search warrant and the arrest of a suspect possessing illicit material. Collectively, these operations underscore a broad federal and state effort to dismantle criminal networks, seize illicit assets and curb violence nationwide.