In a recent statement, the Justice Ministry addressed the ongoing security challenges in Rio de Janeiro, outlining significant developments in law enforcement strategies and resources allocated to combat organized crime.
Justice Ministry Confirms Requests Met for Rio de Janeiro’s Safety
According to state officials, there was a meeting between Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski and local representatives in February. The discussion resulted in the minister offering ten spots in federal prisons to help manage criminal leaders from Rio de Janeiro.
Commitment to Public Safety
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing safety in Rio de Janeiro. It aims to provide integrated support for public security efforts.
Statistics on Operations Against Crime
- Operations in 2025: 178 conducted in Rio de Janeiro.
- Drug and Arms-Related Operations: 24 specifically targeting trafficking.
- Arrests: 210 total, with 60 tied to drug and arms investigations.
- Drug Seizures: 10 tons confiscated during the period.
- Firearms Seized: 190, including 17 rifles.
The ministry highlighted its continuous efforts through the Federal Police to tackle faction-related activities, which have escalated significantly in recent times. Notably, a recent mega-operation led to a tragic outcome, resulting in over 60 fatalities, marking it as one of the deadliest incidents in Rio de Janeiro’s history.
Funding and Resources for Security
Since 2019, the federal government has released R$ 288 million from the National Public Security Fund (FNSP) for Rio de Janeiro. To date, over R$ 157 million of this has been utilized, leaving a remaining balance of R$ 174 million available for future security enhancements. Additionally, the ministry has donated equipment valued at roughly R$ 10 million, including:
- Computers
- Drones
- Vests
- Ammunition
Authorities also reported that 81 individuals were arrested during recent operations, while nine others were shot, which included both residents and law enforcement agents.
Overall, the Justice Ministry reiterated its commitment to supporting the state of Rio de Janeiro in the ongoing battle against criminal activities through coordinated efforts and resource allocation.
