Source: Correio da Tarde - Natal / RN - 08/07/2010

Agents from the Specialized Police in Defense and Ownership of Vehicles and Cargoes (Deprov), with the support of federal military and highway police officers, launched Operation Transylvania from the early hours of today, with the objective of dismantling a gang specialized in fuel theft in Grande Natal .

The operation began after nine months of investigation that pointed out the participation of drivers who diverted fuels, receivers who and distributors that flowed the product, for a price below the market. Sources reported that there is evidence that the gang also worked with adulteration of fuels. As of this writing, 18 people have been arrested in Natal, Macau and Guamaré.

Among the materials seized during the operation are several gallons used to store fuel and an amount of money that has not yet been accounted for. There are reports that weapons were also seized. The result of the action, coordinated by delegate Ulisses de Souza, head of Deprov, will be presented this afternoon by the Secretariat of Public Security and Social Defense, in a press conference.