During the 4th phase of Operation Mute in Espírito Santo, no cell phones were found in prison units administered by the Secretariat of Justice (Sejus). Launched in the State last Wednesday (24), the national action is an initiative of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP), through the National Secretariat for Penal Policies (SENAPPEN), to eliminate illegal communication in the country’s prisons. .
Around 60 criminal police officers were employed in the searches carried out at the Maximum Security Penitentiary 1 (PSMA1), Cachoeiro de Itapemirim Regional Penitentiary (PRCI) and Maximum Security Penitentiary 2 (PSMA2). Employees from the Tactical Operations Division (DOT) and the Police Escort and Recapture Division (DERP) worked during the three days of operation that saw 304 cells and 1,873 prisoners searched.
There were also no illegal materials such as weapons and drugs found.
The searches were supported by police dog Zaya, who is part of the Dog Operations Group (GOC). The Belgian Malinois, aged 2 years and 11 months, is the only one in the troop of dogs to be trained to detect electronic devices. The dog Dexter also participated in the work with the guard and protection of the troops.
Another innovative resource that allowed for a more careful search of the galleries was the use of a camera with an endoscopic probe, capable of viewing places where the human eye cannot reach.
The Secretary of State for Justice, Rafael Pacheco, highlighted that the balance of Operation Mute represents the serious work carried out in the Espírito Santo prison system.
“Once again, we did not find any electronic devices or cell phones in the State’s prison units. This is the result of the serious work carried out by the Criminal Police of Espírito Santo, managed by the Secretariat of Justice. The balance of Operation Mute demonstrates to Espírito Santo society a safe and controlled prison system, an action that directly impacts the reduction of crime outside prison walls”, said Rafael Pacheco.
Previous phases
The first phase of Operation Mute took place between October 16th and 27th, 2023 and resulted in the seizure, across the country, of 1,166 cell phones. The operations took place in 68 prison units in 26 states. In total, 55,919 people deprived of their liberty were searched.
In the second phase, from December 11 to 15, 2023, 1,294 cell phones were seized. The operation was carried out in 114 establishments in 26 states and the Federal District, totaling 75,672 inmates searched.
In the third phase of Operation Mute, from January 31st to February 2nd, 631 devices were seized in 87 prisons in 27 federative units.
Press Information:
Sejus Communications Advisory
Sandra Dalton / Paula Lima
(27) 3636-5732 / 99933-8195 / (27) 99241-7856
Espírito Santo Criminal Police (PPES)
Alyne Reis
(27) 3636-5706 / 99933-9920
