Brazil crime presence creates wider rule of law fears

Significance

Its main shipment hub has been the Santos port in Sao Paulo state. However, a series of successful operations by Brazilian authorities over the years have prompted the PCC to diversify to other ports, including in Uruguay.

Impacts

• The PCC’s expansion has been particularly violent in Paraguay, which increasingly risks becoming a ‘narco-state’.
• The group’s expansion poses major risks to rule of law in other countries, given its ability to corrupt law-enforcement and other officials.
• PCC activity in Uruguay is set to increase, notably use of the port of Montevideo for the cocaine exports to Europe and Africa.