Results of the 8th phase of Operation 'Mute' elevate Seap to a high national level
All penal units in Pará were inspected; The action is coordinated by the National Secretariat of Penal Policies (Senappen) and aims to combat communication and the entry of illicit materials into prisons across the country
This week, the National Secretariat of Penal Policies (Senappen) launched, nationally, the 8th phase of "Operation Mute." With the main focus on combating illegal communication within Brazilian prisons, the action began in October 2023 and also seeks other illicit materials in the cells. In Pará, in this phase - this time divided into four days of inspections, the State Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (Seap) maintained results that highlight the state secretariat in combating this type of crime.
The concentration of Seap's specialized forces took place at the Center for Specialized Instructions (Ciesp), with the participation of police from the Penitentiary Action Group (GAP), Penitentiary Operations Command (COPE), in addition to the Canine Operations Nucleus (NOC). The penal police from the units that underwent inspections also participated in the operation.
The Deputy Secretary of Operational Management (SAGO), Ringo Alex Frias, reported that Operation Mute was carried out between July 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2025, and is part of the actions planned in Operation Summer 2025, coordinated by the State Secretariat of Public Security and Personal Defense (Segup) - under the command of Seap within the prison system. The inspection actions in the penitentiary units of Pará are carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Secretariat of Penal Policies (Senappen).
"The operation's primary objective is the identification and seizure of cell phones located in the prison units across the country. The activities are being executed in a planned and strategic manner, respecting the current operational and legal protocols, with the participation of penal police and specialized troops COPE, GAP, and GBR, under the supervision of the competent authorities SAGO, ASI CGP, and DAP," emphasized Ringo Alex.
The head of the Penitentiary Administration Directorate (DAP) of Seap, Colonel PM Odenir Margalho, led the first day of the operation. The commanders of GAP, penal police Eslaine Almeida, and COPE, Captain PM Esmael Alcântara, also accompanied the action, as well as the internal inspector, Carlos Almeida Cavalcante. All directors of the penal units also attended the briefing and reading of the Mission Order issued by the Deputy Secretary of Operational Management (SAGO).
Regarding the progress of the operation, Margalho highlighted that he was very satisfied with the results obtained, as no object or illicit material was found in the units that underwent thorough inspections.
"We had another stage, the eighth stage of Operation Mute. And we were quite satisfied, as no prohibited object, according to our legislation regulating prison control, particularly regarding electronic equipment, such as cell phones, was found. But each day is a learning experience through guidance, verification of procedures that must be analyzed regarding the operational conduct of our penal police officers. And in this sense, we had a good impression of what we saw. Of course, always seeking excellence, always looking to improve the provision of service in terms of prison security!" he commented.
Highlight - Colonel Margalho assesses that the results achieved by Seap project the secretariat to "a very high level nationally," considering the zero count of prohibited objects.
"This is very important and positive. The Seap of Pará is a secretariat that truly seeks excellence, seeks to improve the provision of service regarding custody and social reintegration. We intend to continue improving every day, always under the leadership of our secretary of Seap, Colonel Marco Antônio Sirotheau Corrêa Rodrigues, and in operational matters, our deputy secretary Ringo Alex Frias," emphasizes the head of DAP.
The commander of GAP, Eslaine Almeida, also celebrated the good results of "Operation Mute." GAP provided 41 operators for this operation, who are distributed in the Americano Penitentiary Complex, the Marabá Penitentiary Complex, Vitória do Xingu, and Paragominas.
"Today, we began the eighth phase of 'Operation Mute' in the penitentiary units of Pará in accordance with the guidelines established by the National Secretariat of Penal Policies. The operation's primary objective is the identification and seizure of cell phones in the prison units. Thank God, nothing was found! All movements are made according to what our procedural manual prescribes and always safeguarding the physical integrity of the inmates, as well as the operators involved. I am pleased with the progress of the action," declared the commander.
The commander of COPE also praised the success of another phase of "Mute in Pará," highlighting the importance of planning in the implementation of the eighth phase of the national operation.
"Once again here, in the course of our operation, we can demonstrate that Seap, by maintaining what is provided in the procedural manual, has reduced, mitigated, and, so far, has not found this type of equipment. The operation, being an inspection, is a moment when we will take the inmate out of their comfort zone; if there is anything irregular, we can promptly observe, supervise, and take appropriate measures," stated Captain Alcântara.
Prevention - The director of UCR Santa Izabel VI, Ercio Teixeira, which houses the LGBTQIA+ population of the Penitentiary Complex, emphasized that it is always important to have actions like inspections, as it signals to the prison population that the State is attentive to the dynamics of the prison, and to the possibilities they may consider for potential escapes.
"We will always be present. By being present, we can prevent things in advance. The visit from Colonel Margalho is always welcome, as is that of our secretary Ringo Alex, because it allows us to verify on-site the work we are developing here in the unit. A work that is based on respect for human rights. And we seek this all the time. It ensures that the unit operates, functions with these well-established pillars of respect and also accountability for the duties of the inmate. They have rights and duties. So, it is on this basis that our unit operates, always grounded in human rights," stated the director of the prison unit.
Criteria – In a statement, Senappen informed that "Operation Mute" is carried out in each Federal Unit on the defined day(s), time(s), and location(s) based on security and intelligence criteria. Additionally, in some states, the penal police carry out the recapture of fugitives.
Prohibited communications constitute a national problem, with serious social, psychological, and economic impacts. The actions to combat prohibited communications in the national prison system directly influence the reduction of Intentional Violent Lethal Crimes (CVLI).
Combined, the seven phases of the operation removed 6,274 cell phones used for illicit communication within the country's prisons. The number of penal police involved in the operation is also noteworthy: the seven phases involved the participation of 20,000 penal police officers.
Text: Márcio Sousa - Social Communication Nucleus of Seap
