Brazil Federal Police launches cross-border drug trafficking crackdown

Brazil's Federal Police (PF) launched an operation this morning (Nov. 4) against international drug trafficking. The suspects are accused of smuggling drugs from Paraguay and distributing it in the Brazilian states of Goiás, Pará, Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Federal District. The operation has been considered one of the biggest in recent years.

According to police, one of the routes used by the gang was the border area of Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay. More than 10 tons of drug has been seized, along with heavy weapons and luxury cars.

The smugglers would fold down the seats of the cars, remove all removable accessories, and load the car with the drug, without any kind of disguise. Then they would drive non-stop at high speed, with no regard for traffic signs or police blockades. Their goal was to avoid losses and arrive at the point of sale as fast as they could. Because of this practice, the operation was dubbed “Crazy Horse”.

It is estimated that the group has turned over more than $310 million. The operation is a collaboration with police from Paraguay, where the smugglers' drug crops are being destroyed.

In Brazil, police are serving a number of court orders, including detentions of suspects (21), temporary detention (11), bench warrants (15), and search warrants (34).

Translated by Mayra Borges