On the morning of Friday, October 20, the Civil Police of Brazil launched Operation BNH targeted at tackling drug trafficking and related associations in the municipalities of Bom Jardim and Nova Friburgo, located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. A total of 21 warrants for arrest and search and seizure were issued, showcasing the extensive scale of the operation. Among the suspects, six were already in custody within the prison system, while one is considered a fugitive from the Rocinha slum, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, five other suspects from Nova Friburgo remain at large.

In Bom Jardim, specifically, nine of those warrants were aimed at identified individuals under investigation, leading to the arrest of five people during the crackdown. Following their apprehension, these individuals were taken to the local police station and are currently awaiting judicial proceedings. This decisive move by the authorities highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle organized drug operations in the region, which have been a growing concern for public safety in recent years.

Operation BNH was bolstered by support from various police departments within the 7th Area Police Department (DPA), including units from Nova Friburgo, Cordeiro, Cantagalo, and Bom Jardim. This collaboration emphasizes a regional approach to law enforcement, aiming not just at immediate arrests but also at creating a broader impact on drug crime in the area. The operation signals a persistent commitment from law enforcement to confront drug trafficking issues that threaten local communities and destabilize the social fabric of these municipalities.