Few National Force agents are seen on Rio de Janeiro's highways

After the second request for an extension of the stay of agents from the National Public Security Force (FNSP), the Ministry of Justice released an overview of the actions of federal troops, who have been operating in Rio de Janeiro, over the last five months.

According to the government, between October 2023 and February 2024, the joint work of the Federal Highway Police (PRF) and the National Force had the following balance:

• – 556 vehicles recovered
• – 6803 ammunition seized
• – 55 short weapons seized
• – 27 rifles seized
• – 991 people detained
• – R$1.7 million in recovered cargo
• – R$444 thousand of illicit origins seized
• – 8,300 kilos of marijuana seized
• – 299 kilos of cocaine seized
• – 67 thousand ecstasy pills

A CNN He contacted the Ministry of Justice and Public Security to find out how much it had cost so far to send federal troops to Rio de Janeiro. But we didn't receive a response.

At the end of March, the governor of Rio, Cláudio Castro, requested an extension of the stay of National Force agents. The request was accepted and authorized by Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski. This is the second time this request has been made.

National Force agents have been in Rio de Janeiro since October last year, following several episodes of violence that triggered a public security crisis under the Cláudio Castro government.

In the beginning, there were 300 agents working mainly on federal highways, with the aim of combating organized crime and the entry of weapons and drugs. However, according to the latest decree signed by Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, this time, the “contingent to be made available will comply with the planning defined by the Directorate of the National Force, the National Public Security Secretariat, the Ministry of Justice”.

To the CNN the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) stated that the overt policing of the National Force in Rio is required by the PRF, to improve the fight against crimes.

In this way, the blocking points are alternated on federal highways according to the dynamics of action of criminal groups. Furthermore, the heavy rains in the region also had an influence on the National Force's operating points.

Also according to the ministry, in this operation in support of the State Government of RJ and the PRF, there is a daily setup of at least 6 posts, blocking and inspection points. 5 of which are on Rodovia Washington Luiz (BR-040), and one on Rodovia Presidente Dutra (BR-116).