Integrated Base 'Candiru' arrests suspect for illegal transportation of mercury
The arrest occurred while the carrier of the cargo was on a vessel heading to Belém
With the mission of protecting the rivers of Pará and the environment, the integrated inspection of the Integrated River Base "Candiru", in Óbidos, Lower Amazon region, arrested a suspect for transporting 138 units of bottles containing mercury with a total weight of 207 kg. The arrest occurred while the carrier of the cargo was on a vessel heading to Belém.
The inspection operation began at 3 PM when teams from the Public Security River Group (GFLU) and units from the Military Police and Civil Police inspected the ferryboat "SanMarino", coming from Manaus (AM). During the passenger verification, the police found the illegal material and charged the individual according to Article 56 of Law No. 9,605/1998, known as the Environmental Crimes Law. The penalty for these actions is imprisonment from one to four years, in addition to a fine. After the seizure, the man was taken for further legal procedures.
Transporting mercury is a crime due to its severe risks to human health and the environment. Mercury is a highly toxic substance that can cause neurological, renal, and pulmonary damage, as well as affect fetal development. Exposure to mercury can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, and its effects are cumulative over time.
In addition to health risks, mercury is a persistent environmental pollutant. When released into the environment, it can contaminate soil, water, and sediments, affecting aquatic and terrestrial life. In Brazil, the transportation, storage, and use of mercury are regulated by various laws and environmental standards.
According to the Secretary of Public Security and Social Defense (Segup), river bases are fundamental in combating environmental crimes in the Amazon as they represent strategic points for the inspection and control of the transportation of hazardous substances, such as mercury, and other environmental crimes that affect the region.
“The recent arrest of a suspect transporting 138 bottles of mercury, totaling 207 kg, is a clear example of the effectiveness of these bases. This seizure demonstrates how the presence of authorities on the waterways hinders the actions of criminals and contributes to the protection of the environment and public health. River bases allow security forces to operate more efficiently in combating deforestation, illegal fishing, illegal mining, and wildlife trafficking, as well as other crimes that threaten biodiversity and the sustainability of the Amazon,” he said.
