Brazil anti-organised crime programme allocates BRL 11 billion for public security

Brazil’s government has launched a new anti-organised crime programme that sets aside 11 billion reais (USD 2 billion) for public security. Some politicians said the move aims to strengthen President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s security record before October’s elections. Lula has often faced attacks from rivals over public safety. The plan focuses on gangs and wider crime networks.

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The initiative identifies two major targets: the First Command of the Capital, or PCC, and the Red Command, known as CV. The programme outlines steps against arms trafficking and organised crime funding. It also calls for better homicide investigations and more investment in Brazil’s prison system. The government said about 1 billion reais (USD 190 million) will be spent by December.

Anti-organised crime program targets PCC and CV

The government said the programme supports tools meant to improve policing and prison control. Purchases may include drones, body scanners, and metal detectors. The list also includes cellphone signal blockers, X-ray machines, and audio and video systems. Radar, DNA tracking equipment, and vehicles are also part of the planned spending.

The programme also aims to hit criminal groups through their finances. It includes measures to attack the finances of criminal organisations and raise investigation quality. Lula linked this approach to discussions abroad after a trip to the United States. Lula is expected to seek a fourth term as president. The launch event took place at the presidential palace in Brasilia.

Lula anti-organised crime program mentions Trump talks

Lula said public security came up during a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington last week. "I told him we had proposals on financial asphyxiation of crime gangs, fighting money laundering. Some of the weapons used in Brazil come from the United States, the Brazilian president said. I told him that, if he wants to be a part of this, theres space. But he will have to work in agreement with what are decisions of Brazils government and Brazils police.\"

Allies of Lula in Congress said some opposition governors have shown hesitation about using the new funds. Governors oversee local police forces and can shape how resources are applied. The comments came as Lula’s government tries to broaden support for the plan. The government presented the programme as a national effort against organised crime.

Anti-organised crime program draws political criticism

Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro and former Goias state Gov. Ronaldo Caiado have long campaigned on a tough-on-crime approach. That stance has included claims that Lula’s Workers Party is too soft on security. Lula did not respond to those criticisms during the programme’s launch. Instead, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin spoke about the previous federal approach to security.

\"The only security policy in the previous presidency was to distribute weapons, allow weapons, Alckmin said. And those end up with criminals, with organized crime. It is police who should be able to bear arms.\" The Lula administration has presented the new programme as an effort to improve investigations, reduce trafficking, and tighten prison controls. Funding and cooperation now remain central to its rollout.

With inputs from PTI