Petrobras has detected the presence of hydrocarbons in the pre-salt layer of the Campos Basin. According to the state-run oil giant, the well, drilled 2,984 meters deep into the water, is located 201 km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state.

“The hydrocarbon-bearing interval was confirmed through electrical logs, gas indications, and fluid sampling,” the company stated.

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The samples will be sent for laboratory analysis. The assessments, Petrobras reported, will make it possible to determine the characteristics of the reservoirs and fluids and to decide whether to continue studying the area’s potential.

“The well was drilled safely, with respect for the environment and the people,” the company added.

The company’s operations in block C-M-477, in the Campos Basin, “are aligned with the strategy to replenish oil and gas reserves by operating in frontier exploration areas in partnership with other companies, ensuring that the national energy demand is met during the energy transition.”

With a 70 percent stake, Petrobras operates the block in partnership with British Petroleum, which holds the remaining portion.

A crackdown by the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro in the Maré favela complex resulted in the seizure of approximately 48 tons of drugs. The narcotics were stored in a drug trafficking bunker in the Nova Holanda slum. According to the state government, this is the largest drug seizure in Brazilian history.

The operation started on Tuesday (Apr. 7) and was completed early Wednesday morning (8). Police located the drugs with the help of sniffer dogs. Officers also confiscated five rifles and four handguns, in addition to recovering 26 stolen vehicles. One suspect was arrested.

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In the view of Commander-General Colonel Sylvio Guerra, the record seizure is the result of a “surgical operation.” He also highlighted the level of technical and operational expertise employed.

“Through planning, intelligence, and the specialized work of the K-9 Unit and all units involved in the operation, we achieved a significant result in weakening criminal organizations, and, most importantly, without collateral damage,” he said in a statement.

The 48 tons of drugs were valued at around BRL 50 million. Guerra views the operation as “a major blow” to drug trafficking.

The operation was carried out in the Nova Holanda and Parque União favelas, with the participation of approximately 250 military officers.

Record

According to the Military Police, intelligence reports led officers to locate a shipping container used by drug traffickers to store drugs in the early hours of the operation. At the site, they seized vials and some 200 liters of the inhalant drug known as “lança-perfume,” as well as materials used in its production.

The officers continued the search by raiding the favelas, when K-9 Unit agents identified a suspicious facility. There, they found a “drug trafficking bunker” containing more than 24 thousand slabs of marijuana, each weighing approximately two kilograms. The contraband was taken away in cargo trucks.