The Brutal Politics of Brazil’s Drug War - The New York Times
New York TimesOct 28, 2019
Federal police in Brazil say they have launched a large-scale raid stopping a gang-related plot to kidnap and assassinate public officials across at least five states. A statement released Wednesday said 120 officers were deployed to serve 24 search-and-seizure warrants and 11 arrest warrants.
The First Capital Command (or "PCC") gang is responsible for the plan, according to a government minister. The PCC controls cocaine and arms shipments in Brazil and is reportedly known to launder money.
There are major unanswered questions here. Who exactly was arrested and targeted during these raids? What evidence did the police have to support these warrants? While protecting the lives of innocent public officials is paramount, the federal police in Brazil have a reputation for brutality and violence against uninvolved civilians. More information is needed before the crackdown on a supposed gang plot can be celebrated.
Brazil is under a siege of terror from gang violence. The attacks against innocent civilians and government officials are brutally premeditated. Anyone who stands against gangs or corruption, like Senator Moro, is at increased risk. The police are doing a fantastic job with the resources they have. Raids like this should be given even more support to take down dangerous gangs.