Number of homicides in the Federal District drops during Carnival.

Brasilia 247 – The Military Police of the Federal District reported that there was a 30% reduction in crime in general during the Carnival holiday. According to the report, released this Wednesday (18), there was a 72,7% decrease in the number of deaths and a 463% increase in the number of arrests for drug use and possession during the four days of Carnival. Around 7 police officers and more than 500 vehicles provided security for around 1 million revelers in the federal capital.

From Friday night (13) until midnight this Tuesday, three murders and 19 attempted murders were recorded throughout the DF. In 2014, there were 11 murders, a decline of 72%, and 24 attempts, a reduction of 20,8%.

The number of arrests of people caught using and possessing drugs increased by 463%. There were 107 such cases this year compared to 19 last year.

According to the head of the PM's operational department, Colonel Mauro Lemos, marijuana was the most seized drug. 21,94 kilos of pure cocaine were also seized in a single incident in Taguatinga, last Monday (16).

The report also indicated a reduction in the number of robberies in Brasília. There were 6 robberies at gas stations this year compared to 33 in 2014 (a reduction of 81,8%), 18 robberies on public transport compared to 41 last year (a decrease of 56%), and 63 vehicle thefts compared to 102 in 2014 (a reduction of 38,2%).

The number of thefts from pedestrians also decreased, going from 84 cases last year to 51 this year, a reduction of 39,3%. Theft registered a decline of 52%, falling from 55 reports to 26.

According to Lemos, the police worked this year to reduce crime rates. "Some details may occur, but we have agencies responsible for investigating complaints. We believe that the number of officers was sufficient and the visibility was also adequate," he said. "We advocate for visibility and meticulous planning for each event," he added.