Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Brazil Launches 11-Billion-Real Push Against Organized Crime

The push tests Lula’s clout with opposition-run states.

Overview

  • Brazil rolled out the “Brazil Against Organized Crime” program Tuesday, authorizing 11 billion reais with about 1 billion reais to be spent through December.
  • The plan targets the PCC and Comando Vermelho by choking off gang finances and upgrading prisons to maximum-security standards to curb orders from behind bars.
  • Police will get drones, body scanners, cellphone jammers, X-ray machines, radar, DNA tools and new vehicles to strengthen homicide investigations and border checks.
  • Following last week’s meeting with President Donald Trump, Brazil and the United States reaffirmed real-time customs data sharing to disrupt weapons and drug routes.
  • Allies say some opposition governors are reluctant to use the new funds as security dominates voter concerns ahead of the October election.