According to minister Ricardo Lewandowski, ‘many trucks and tanks’ with the toxic substance were left behind after the operation against organized crime infiltration in the fuel sector
A investigate abandoned by criminals after a police operation against the infiltration of organized crime in the fuel sector has been used to adulterate alcoholic beverages, said the Minister of Justice and Public Security, this Tuesday (7) in a press interview. “Many trucks and many methanol tanks were abandoned after this operation. And this is a hypothesis that is being studied, pursued and nurtured by the Federal Police”, stated the minister.
The minister said that the investigation involves discovering the origin of the methanol – from fossil fuel or agricultural products, for example. “If this is the origin of the methanol that is adulterating the drinks, the repressive action will be in one direction. If this methanol originates from agricultural products, the repression will have other targets”, he added. Lewandowski did not rule out investigation into the hypothesis of a link between organized crime and counterfeit alcoholic beverages, which have led to cases of methanol poisoning in several parts of the country.
Last week, the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, denied that methanol contamination in alcoholic beverages was related to organized crime. The state records the highest number of cases and deaths.
Products for counterfeiting
The minister also said that the government intends to increase control over websites that sell labels, seals, caps and bottles that are used for counterfeiting. According to him, the action must be carried out by the National Consumer Secretariat, Ministry of Agriculture and Federal Revenue.
Confrontation Committee
Minister Ricardo Lewandowski today announced the creation of a committee, in partnership with civil society, to tackle the problems of drinks contaminated by methanol. The idea is to plan both repressive actions, against those who acted in the adulteration of drinks, and protective actions for the beverage sector. The announcement came after a meeting with representatives from the beverage sector.
According to the minister, the committee will be informal to exchange information on good practices and announcements of measures taken, both by the public and private sectors, aiming for a quick solution to the problem.
*With information from Agência Brasil
