On Thursday, the Civil Police conducted a significant operation targeting an interstate drug trafficking group in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso, Espírito Santo, and Rio Grande do Norte. Authorities revealed that three criminal nuclei were identified, all orchestrated by prisoners who continued to manage the group's operations from behind bars. The investigation uncovered that the suspects maintained constant communication, directed new recruits, and planned drug transportation routes to various states, showcasing the extensive reach and operational capacity of their organization.

During the police operation, 17 preventive arrest warrants and 21 search and seizure orders were executed. The authorities also authorized measures to intercept phone communications, seize assets, and block bank accounts related to the defendants, with amounts amounting to R$ 500,000. The law enforcement efforts were concentrated in several municipalities in Mato Grosso, including Cuiabá, Várzea Grande, Nova Monte Verde, Sinop, Primavera do Leste, Alta Floresta, Guarantã do Norte, and Rondonópolis, along with similar actions in Espírito Santo and Rio Grande do Norte.

This operation highlights the ongoing challenges Brazil faces with organized crime, particularly regarding how incarcerated individuals can still lead criminal enterprises. It raises concerns about prison management and the effectiveness of measures to curb drug trafficking networks that exploit systemic weaknesses. The actions taken by the police illustrate a strategic approach to dismantling such operations, which are often linked to widespread violence and public safety issues in Brazilian society.