PF launches operation against organization that co-opted airport employees for drug trafficking

The Federal Police (PF) launched Operation Bulk this Tuesday (19), aimed at repressing organized crime and international drug trafficking.

Federal police officers comply with warrants issued by the 5th Federal Court of Justice in Guarulhos (SP), of which 23 are preventive arrest warrants and 24 search and seizure warrants.

The measures take place, simultaneously, in the cities of São Paulo, Sorocaba, Guarulhos and Praia Grande. A warrant is also served in Portugal, determined by the Judiciary, due to a red broadcast transmitted by Interpol, after representation by the PF.

The seizure of all assets, real estate and vehicles, as well as all amounts deposited in bank accounts and financial investments on behalf of the investigated, were also determined. These resources amount to approximately R$ 53 million.

The investigation began in 2021 and, during the period, 887.5 kg of cocaine were seized on nine occasions: three in Guarulhos (SP), two in Portugal, one in Germany and three in the Netherlands.

The criminal organization worked by co-opting airport employees and service providers to introduce shipments of cocaine inside commercial aircraft that made regular flights departing from Guarulhos International Airport.

For the success of these criminal actions, the groups began to organize themselves through the division of tasks and responsibilities, with a hierarchical coordination that operated outside the airport and would be responsible for acquiring and storing large amounts of cocaine.

In addition to being the owners of the drug, all negotiations regarding the quantity, destination, specification of flights and other dealings with recipients of the narcotic abroad would be their exclusive responsibility.

Those investigated will be indicted for crimes of international drug trafficking and association for trafficking, whose sentences range from 10 to 25 years in prison.

The name of the operation alludes to one of the cargo compartments of long-haul commercial aircraft (bulk cargo), located in the hold, near the rear of the aircraft.