PF blocks R$200 million and searches for 37 for international drug and weapons trafficking

This Tuesday (5), the Federal Police launched Operation Transloading, which targets a criminal organization specialized in international drug and firearms trafficking. The action complies with 37 preventive arrest warrants and 52 search and seizure warrants in 10 states and the Federal District, in addition to blocking R$200 million for those involved.

According to investigations, the group trafficked drugs and weapons from the border regions with Bolivia and Paraguay to states in the Northeast. The warrants were issued by the Piauí Court and are being carried out in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Pará, Maranhão, Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí and the Federal District.

There is still no information whether this action is related to Operation Dakovo, launched earlier by the PF in five states and the DF, in addition to Paraguay and the United States. The group imported weapons from European countries and resold them mainly to Brazilian criminal factions, including the PCC.

Operation Transloading investigations began in 2022 with the identification of a criminal group that operated in the states of Piauí, Maranhão and Ceará. The organization used farms and rural properties to store drugs from Bolivia and Paraguay, which were later sold in Teresina (PI), Imperatriz (MA) and Fortaleza (CE).

According to the PF, some of those investigated have ties to criminal factions operating in these states.

The focus of the investigation was on the logistics group responsible for transporting the drugs along the country’s highways. Ten truck drivers were arrested in different states, and approximately three tons of drugs, including marijuana and cocaine, were seized.

The scheme’s leaders and suppliers were identified in São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná. These members commanded the actions and coordinated the shipment of drugs to the Northeast.

In addition to the group’s operational and logistical centers, individuals and legal entities were used to move illicit values, creating a structured payment network. The blocking and seizure of amounts in the order of R$200 million were approved, along with the seizure of the group’s vehicles.

According to the authority, those involved could be charged with the crimes of international drug trafficking, association for drug trafficking, international trafficking and illegal trade in firearms and ammunition. The prisoners will be sent to the state penitentiary systems after being interviewed, remaining at the disposal of the Justice Department.

Operation Transloading, whose name refers to the transfer of goods between different means of transport, symbolizes the modus operandi of the criminal group, which used land, river and air transport to carry out its illicit chain.