Port of Santos security focus increases to combat organized crime

Brazil's Minister of Justice and Public Security, Wellington César Lima e Silva, visited the Port of Santos to discuss strategies for combating organized crime, including drug and arms trafficking and money laundering. The visit emphasized the necessity of integration between federal, state, and municipal security forces, as well as international cooperation.

Officials highlighted that the port serves as a critical link in a complex ecosystem, requiring intelligence sharing with regions such as Paraguay and Bolivia to disrupt criminal chains. To bolster security, the Santos Port Authority (APS) is investing approximately R$ 300 million between 2022 and 2030 to enhance technological and operational capacity.

As part of immediate reinforcements, the APS has acquired two armored boats for the Port Guard at a cost of R$ 7.85 million to improve response capabilities in aquatic areas.