Drug trafficking and criminal faction arrests in Brazil

Recent police operations in Brazil have resulted in multiple arrests related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons.

In São Paulo, authorities intercepted a bus on the Raposo Tavares highway, arresting a 29-year-old man with approximately 6.93 kilograms of hashish, 0.015 kilograms of skunk, and a .38 caliber revolver. The suspect, who has a prior criminal record, was taken into custody following the seizure.

In Nova Viçosa, Military Police arrested a suspect in the Posto da Mata district after a pursuit. Officers seized cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and hashish. The individual reportedly admitted to selling drugs for two weeks under the direction of an individual known as ‘Magnata’ before being processed by legal authorities.

Expanding the scope of enforcement, the Civil Police of Mato Grosso launched ‘Operação Basalto’ to dismantle a criminal faction involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and the extortion of over 50 local merchants. The operation involved 34 judicial orders, including 12 preventive arrest warrants and 22 search and seizure warrants across Pedra Preta, Rondonópolis, Itiquira, Cuiabá, and various state prison units.

Investigations revealed a sophisticated structure with roles including leadership, financial operators, and members responsible for monitoring security forces. Authorities noted that some activities were coordinated from within prisons using clandestine mobile phones. As part of the crackdown, the judiciary froze financial assets linked to three individuals and one legal entity, and suspended the activities of a company suspected of concealing criminal proceeds.