The government of the United States intends to contribute around US$ 9.863 million (R$ 20.5 million) to the Brazilian police between now and 2007 to enhance activities in the area of combatting money-laundering and drug-trafficking.
At least US$ 6.014 million (R$ 12.5 million) will be spent this year, according to the head of the Anti-Drug-Trafficking Division of the Federal Police, commissioner Júlio Bortolato.
The funds are earmarked in the budget of the Office of International Narcotics Control Affairs of the US State Department, which has been contributing funds to Brazil at least since 1999.
According to Bortolato, the funds are used mainly for the training of Brazilian field agents, as well as for the purchase of equipment.
The commissioner points out, however, that the financial assistance does not imply the participation of US police forces in joint operations with the Brazilian Federal Police.
"The participation of police agents from other countries is prohibited, even as advisers or anything of the kind. They may eventually act as observers or intelligence links with the Brazilian police," he commented.
Between 2004 and 2005 the United States spent US$ 19.1 million (around R$ 40 million) to bolster anti-drug activities in Brazil. According to the US State Department, by helping the Brazilian government, the US can curb the influx of illegal drugs from Brazil to the US.
The US Narcotics Control Office also sends funds to combat drug-trafficking and money-laundering to 12 other Latin American countries, including Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico.
Agência Brasil
