CRIME
Organized crime is taking over the Amazon
Crime is taking over the Amazon. Photo: Marcio Neves/Folhapress
Drug seizures in Brazil’s northern region have surged dramatically over the past decade, according to newly released figures from the Brazilian Forum on Public Security (FBSP).
Federal Police operations in the area — which covers much of the Amazon rainforest — reported a 92.55% increase in cocaine seizures, from 5,450 to 10,492 kilograms between 2013 and 2024. Marijuana seizures rose even more sharply, soaring more than 66-fold, from just 229 kilograms in 2013 to 15,210 kilograms in 2024.
Nearly 10% of all cocaine seized nationwide came from…
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