The initiative is part of the Force’s actions during the GLO and aims to prevent the region from being used by organized crime to carry out illegal activities
By Agência Marinha de Notícias – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
On Tuesday (19), the Brazilian Navy conducted an inspection operation on Ilha do Braço Forte, located in Guanabara Bay, within the polygonal region demarcated by the presidential decree that established the implementation of the Operation to Guarantee Law and Order. During the search of the site, maritime patrols were intensified in the vicinity in order to support the actions on land. This initiative aims to curb the use of the region as a logistics base for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons and other illicit practices carried out by members of organized crime.
To carry out the mission, ships and boats were used for logistical support, troop transportation and maritime patrols. In addition, a military aircraft was used for overflight and reconnaissance of the area, as well as approximately 120 military personnel for land sweeps. During the searches, despite the existence of traces of people using the island, no individuals were on site and no drugs or weapons were found.
Ilha do Braço Forte
Ilha do Braço Forte is part of an archipelago located in the Guanabara Bay region, within the Port Polygonal, under the control of PortosRio, occupying a strategic position that attracts the attention of the authorities for public security reasons.
Due to its strategic position, there is concern about the misuse of the site by groups linked to illegal activities, such as drug, arms and illicit trafficking. For this reason, actions such as the one carried out by the Brazilian Navy aim to dismantle criminal activities that could compromise the security of the region and the areas surrounding Guanabara Bay.
The island was acquired by the government in 1927 and was used as a place to store explosive charges until May 1954, when an accident killed 17 military firefighters who were fighting a fire in the area. Currently, there are plans to use the island to store and supply marine diesel.
Guarantee of Law and Order
The Guarantee of Law and Order (GLO) is a measure provided for in the Brazilian Constitution, which authorizes the president to use the Armed Forces to restore order in specific situations, such as combating organized crime, controlling civil disturbances or protecting property and people in cases of emergency.
Since November 6, 2023, around 1,900 MB military personnel have been deployed to strengthen crime prevention and repression actions, in accordance with Decree No. 11,765, signed by the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on November 1, 2023. This measure allowed the Armed Forces to take part in joint operations with Public Security agencies and bodies to combat illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons and illicit activities, as well as reinforcing security in areas that are vital to the economy, such as the ports of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Itaguaí (RJ) and Santos (SP).
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***