The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro initiated an operation aimed at dismantling illegal dump sites exploited by the Comando Vermelho gang in Jardim Gramacho, located in Duque de Caxias, on Friday, the 13th. By the most recent updates, two individuals had been arrested in the act for committing environmental crimes. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to address illegal waste disposal that poses significant threats to the local environment and public health.

According to the investigations led by the Delegacia de Proteção ao Meio Ambiente (DPMA), drug traffickers have been charging R$ 25 for each truck to allow the dumping of waste on unlicensed lands, particularly in mangrove areas, crucial ecosystems for maintaining the environmental balance of the Baía de Guanabara. The operation involved executing 86 search and seizure warrants across various municipalities, including the capital and surrounding regions, targeting both the dump sites and affiliated locations known to participate in the illegal activity.

This operation highlights the intersection of organized crime and environmental issues in Brazil, revealing how gangs can exert control over waste management systems, endangering natural habitats and contributing to pollution. The DPMA's ongoing investigations and the mapping of waste disposal activities in Jardim Gramacho reflect a growing concern among authorities to mitigate the impacts of illegal dumping and ensure the protection of vital environmental resources, which are at risk due to neglect and criminal exploitation.