The Federal Police operation was launched this Thursday morning (15) to eliminate an interstate drug trafficking gang. The group took drugs on a flight from Manaus with a stopover in Campinas, South Carolina and a final destination in Joinville, northern South Carolina.

The investigation began with the arrest of a passenger on March 24 – Photo: Federal Police / Disclosure / ND

Six warrants for temporary arrest and nine warrants for search and seizure are issued by the Campinas County Fourth Criminal Court. The prisoners were located in Joinville, Manaus (AM), Osasco (SP), São Paulo (SP) and Tramandai (RS).

The investigation began with the arrest on March 24 of a passenger on a flight from Manaus to Campinas with 10.7 kg of marijuana in his luggage.

An analysis of the incident data revealed a consistent north-south drug trafficking route using flights from Manaus with a stopover in Viracopos and a final destination in Joinville, as well as the identification of a highly structured criminal community.

Only one of the suspects transferred almost a million reais – Photo: Federal Police/Disclosure/ND

Those under investigation will still be responsible for the crimes of interstate drug trafficking and association for the purpose of illegal trafficking, the amount of sentences for which can reach 35 years in prison.

Only one of the suspects transferred almost one million reais in just four months, with no credit or debit transactions recorded in their bank accounts.

According to the OF, the purpose of the searches and arrests this Thursday is to collect evidence against all those under investigation who were somehow connected with the illegal activities of the group. Be it logistical, financial or operational support.

Watch a video about the drug found in Joinville

Defendants to be held accountable for crimes related to interstate drug trafficking and association for the purpose of drug trafficking – Video: Federal Police/Disclosure/ND