Brazil’s Operation to Fight Organized Crime

If you’ve recently traveled through an airport in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, you might have noticed a significant change. While it’s common to see the presence of federal police, on this trip you may have also run into military personnel.

On November 6, Brazil’s armed forces commenced a law and order operation that is scheduled to last for six months. The objective is to combat organized crime, including drug and gun trafficking, at key airports and harbors. According to reports, approximately 3,700 service members from the air force, army and navy will work alongside the police during the operation.

The efforts stem from a decree issued by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Under the Brazilian constitution and supplementary laws, a president is empowered to order a GLO or Garantia da Lei e da Ordem (Guarantee of Law and Order) when traditional public security measures prove insufficient.

GLOs are not uncommon in Brazil, especially in situations where heightened security concerns overwhelm state capabilities, or during major international events. For instance, both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games saw the implementation of similar military measures authorized by the president. These actions are typically intended to enhance public confidence in security and underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining order.

In light of these developments, travelers passing through Brazil’s major aiports can anticipate a heightened security presence in the coming months. This measure is a reflection of the government’s proactive approach to fighting organized crime and aims to ensure the safety of residents and international visitors alike.