Brazil: an international network of drug traffickers dismantled

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2 min

In Brazil, the authorities carried out a huge operation on Tuesday, August 18, against an international network of drug trafficking and money laundering. It was carried out in 13 Brazilian states and targeted four organizations that sold drugs in Brazil as well as in Europe and Cape Verde.

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It is an operation which impresses by its scale: seven planes, five helicopters, dozens of trucks and properties linked to this criminal network have been seized. Around a hundred search warrants, as well as arrest warrants, are pending. The equivalent of $ 18 million has also been blocked through legal proceedings.

According to the federal police, four criminal organizations had set up this international drug trafficking system. Tons of cocaine were exported to Europe and Cape Verde via Brazilian ports, and in particular via the port of Natal, in the northeast region of Brazil.

The drugs were loaded on cargo ships or sailboats

The investigation made it possible to trace the modus operandi. First, the drugs entered through the border with Paraguay and were stored in São Paulo. Then it was transported to ports and concealed in warehouses. Finally, it was transported abroad in containers embarked on freighters, or in sailboats.

This operation is the result of an investigation launched in 2018 in collaboration with the National Crime Agency, the main British agency in the fight against organized crime.

 ► To read also: A soldier of the Bolsonaro delegation arrested with 39kg of cocaine

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• Brazil
• Drug

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