Civil Police from DRF (theft and theft police station) triggered on Thursday (17) another phase of the Caminhos do Copper operation, focusing on the dismantling of the main clandestine junkyard from the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro.
The target of the action was an illegal deposit located in the Pedreira Complex, considered the largest copper wire reception center and stolen metal materials of energy, telecommunications and transportation concessionaires.
During the action, which was supported by the DRFC (Cargo Theft and Theft Police Station) and DRFA (Auto Theft and Theft Police Station), agents arrested eight people and seized about 10 tons of materials metal of illicit origin.
Also found were broken from stolen vehicles and stolen stored loads.
According to the DRF, the old iron was commanded by two brothers with criminal history. They have antecedents for vehicle theft, reception and cargo theft, and maintain relationships with drug trafficking in the region.
The, according to police, provided armed protection and infrastructure for the functioning of the illegal scheme.
Investigations revealed that the group worked with its own logistics, using vehicles to carry large volumes of stolen cables. One of the scheme’s operators was caught in the act while carrying more than one ton of copper wires taken from dealership networks.
The operation also included compliance with search and seizure warrants at various addresses of the capital and Baixada Fluminense, focusing on both individuals and companies directly involved in the criminal chain.
The Civil Police reported that, since the beginning of the more than 260 old irons were inspected and approximately 90 responsible were arrested. During this period, the authorities seized more than 250 tons of copper wires and stolen metal materials.
Also according to information from the corporation, investigations are still ongoing and also aim to financially weaken drug trafficking, which profits from this type of clandestine activity.
