In the early hours of this Saturday, the 18th, cities of large northern river were marked by the fifth night followed by violent attacks. The wave of crimes began last Tuesday, the 14th, and has already led to the arrest of more than 100 people.
Criminals with guns in hand expelled residents and set fire to three houses in the Igapó neighborhood, in Natal. A 77-year-old woman was pulled out of bed with a gun pointed at her head.
In another occurrence, in São Gonçalo do Amarante, in Grande Natal, a criminal police officer was shot dead in a new attack. According to the police, the crime happened around 9:30 pm in a commercial area of the neighborhood.
Family members reported that the criminal officer was hit with three shots in the arm, leg and chest. Carlos Eduardo Nazário, 49, was rescued and taken in a Military Police vehicle to Santa Catarina Hospital, in the north of Natal, but he could not resist his injuries and died.
Presence of authorities
Earlier this week, the Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino, sent the National Force to help contain violent acts by the state.
Military police officers and the Civil Police of Rio Grande do Norte joined members of the National Force in various parts of the city and in integrated actions to combat the latest events that devastated the state.
Under the coordination of the State Secretariat for Public Security, the reinforcement will reach approximately 500 men and women sent by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
the governor Fatima Bezerra highlighted that the integrated action of the security forces of the RN together with the National Force is a demonstration that the group will continue “tireless in taking the necessary measures to restore peace and public order throughout Rio Grande do Norte”.
Transfers
federal criminal police have already transferred at least ten prisoners from the Prison Rogério Coutinho, located in the Alcaçuz Complex, to the Federal Penitentiary System (SPF).
Those in custody are accused of commanding crimes such as homicides and drug trafficking. In addition, they are also involved in escape plans and attacks on public and private property in Rio Grande do Norte.
The removal was at the request of the Public Ministry of the state of Rio Grande do Norte and the local government and authorized by the Penal Execution Court.
At the SPF, prisoners will be isolated in individual cells, with monitored visits and only in the open air, and with strict security procedures.
Who is behind the attacks on RN?
O crime syndicate seems to be behind the criminal actions. The faction, which was born as a dissidence of the First Command of the Capital (PCC), has a strong presence linked to drug trafficking in the State and has members spread across different prisons in Rio Grande do Norte.
The state government believes that communication restrictions in jails and investigative actions against criminality may have triggered the criminal reaction.
How many have been arrested?
According to the Secretary of Public Security of Rio Grande do Norte, until 6 am this Saturday, 18, 104 people were arrested.
Among those arrested are fugitives from justice and people who use electronic anklets in illegal situations.
What has already been seized?
In total, since last Tuesday, 14 have been seized:
- 29 firearms;
- 87 explosive devices;
- 23 gallons of gasoline;
- 11 motos
- 2 cars;
- Money, drugs and ammunition.
Theft items were also recovered.
(With Brazil Agency)
