On Thursday morning, the Integrated Force for Combating Organized Crime of Minas Gerais (FICCO/MG) launched Operation Baluarte, targeting the territorial expansion of a criminal faction in Vale do Mucuri. The operation, which took place in Campanário, resulted in the arrest of four people for drug trafficking, following intelligence reports from the Military Police that indicated the presence of weapons, ammunition, and drugs in the area. The suspects are thought to be members or sympathizers of an expanding criminal organization.

According to FICCO, the arrested individuals had marked walls, poles, and even traffic signs with symbols of their faction. This graffiti served as a territorial claim and was intended to intimidate local residents, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the community. The markings revealed the boundaries of the territory controlled by the criminal group, signaling their influence and control over the area.

In addition to drug trafficking, these individuals are also under investigation for their involvement in further criminal activities. The ongoing efforts by FICCO highlight the challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime and the impact such factions have on local communities, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration among police forces to restore safety and order in the region.