Homicides increase by 68,6% in a decade in Rio Grande do Sul.

Rio Grande do Sul 247 - The state of Rio Grande do Sul tripled its spending on public security between 2005 and 2014, but the number of murders increased by 68,6%, rising from 1.391 to 2.346. During the same period, the state's population grew by 3,3%. The rate reaches 20,9 crimes per 100 inhabitants – a rate above 10 is considered epidemic, according to the United Nations.

With 34 deaths, last year's Carnival raised the statistics to March 2014, the bloodiest month of the decade. This year, 23 people were murdered in five days of festivities in the state.

In Porto Alegre, 80% of homicides are related to narcotics in some way, whether due to debts, disputes over drug dealing spots, or simple feuds. According to an academic study produced by law graduate Giulia Galant Furtado, seven out of ten homicide victims have criminal records.

In absolute numbers, there were 571 homicides in the capital in 2014, representing a 67% increase in 10 years, ranking third in the state when considering the rate per 100. Porto Alegre ended 2014 with 24,4% more deaths than in 2013.

In January of this year, there were 64 homicides in the capital, 42,2% more than recorded in the first month of last year. Disputes over drugs are at the epicenter of the murders.

“January was very turbulent. We worked to solve crimes and arrest the perpetrators. This serves as an example, as a preventative measure to reduce the feeling of impunity. But it's not just about investigating. A set of measures is needed to combat trafficking and disarmament. We need changes in the law, with a united effort from all the protagonists of public security,” says police chief Paulo Rogério Grillo, director of the Homicide and Personal Protection Department.