The mega-operation against drug trafficking was launched this Friday morning (17) in four cities in the north and in Planalto Norte of Santa Catarina. About 100 police officers are conducting searches and seizures in the municipalities of Joinville, Itapoa, São Bento do Sul and Canoinhas.

During the operation, a large amount of drugs was seized – Photo: Civil Police/Reproduction/ND

In total, Civil Police carried out 14 search warrants and theft of three vehicles. In addition, two men were arrested for drug trafficking. The 24- and 25-year-olds already have experience working in the police, and one of them held a leadership role in a criminal group.

Luxury cars were bought with drug money. Photo: Felipe Bambas/NDTV

The drug trafficking group has centers in different cities.

At the first stage of the investigation, ten members of a criminal organization operating in the state with a core in the north of Santa Catarina were identified.

“In every region where we have identified the centers of this criminal organization, there are leaders who manage all drug trafficking and also collect tithes, a monthly fee that members pay to management,” delegate Antonio Claudio Joca details.

Also, according to the delegate, the investigation began after a court decision determined the exchange of evidence from an investigation carried out in the municipality of Freiburgo in the midwestern region of Santa Catarina.