During the Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, police reported the arrest of 458 individuals and the apprehension of 74 minors, along with the seizure of 97 stolen cell phones.
The Military Police of Rio de Janeiro reported on Wednesday that during the Carnival festivities, they made significant arrests and seizures, culminating in 458 arrests and 74 minors being apprehended. Additionally, a substantial haul of 97 stolen cell phones was confiscated. Comparatively to 2025, these figures illustrate an increase across all categories, with arrests rising by 15%, minor apprehensions increasing by 28%, and the seizure of cell phones soaring by an astonishing 169%.
Colonel Marcelo de Menezes, the Secretary of the Military Police, highlighted the continuous adjustments made to policing strategies during the event, expressing confidence in the effectiveness of their measures. The police presence is maintained throughout the Carnival period, affirming their commitment to public safety and effective law enforcement amid large gatherings. Preventive measures have included thorough searches at entrances to various blocks and large gatherings in central Rio.
In conjunction with the arrests, the police also reported the seizure of over 79 sharp objects, which are deemed dangerous and part of a broader strategy to ensure that no harmful items enter the festival areas. The priority remains to create a safe environment for both participants and spectators, and ongoing assessments indicate that the strategies employed are yielding positive results despite the increase in criminal activity observed during this year's celebrations.
