Brazil: land invaders arrested with firearms, machetes, and sickle

A group of 14 land invaders got into trouble in the interior of Mato Grosso State.

On Monday 17, the Military Police of the Midwestern state arrested the criminals, who were armed.

According to the corporation, a machete, a sickle, and four firearms were seized.

Ammunition and cell phones were also found.

The Mato Grosso police state that the 14 individuals invaded a farm in Querência, 850 kilometers from Cuiabá.

They shot guns to frighten the farm’s employees.

According to information from the Mato Grosso Military Police, the invading group was initially composed of nine men.

Later on, another five people arrived at the invaded farm.

They were in a white Hilux pickup truck.

After trying to run away when they saw police officers, they were arrested.

The 14 land invaders were sent to the Querência police station.

The Mato Grosso Military Police accuses the group of four crimes:

• gang formation;
• illegal possession of a firearm;
• armed banditry; and
• possessory trespass.

SECRETARY REINFORCES “ZERO-TOLERANCE” AGAINST LAND INVADERS

With the arrest of the 14 land invaders, the Public Safety Secretary of Mato Grosso, César Augusto Roveri, affirmed that the state would not tolerate this kind of group, which he classifies as criminal.

“We are always alert and will respond to the height in all situations,” Roveri said.

“Governor Mauro Mendes has already determined zero-tolerance against criminals and land invaders. We will not allow invasions in the state,” added the secretary.

With information from Revista Oeste