“Operation K9” finds more than 100 points with K drugs in prisons in Minas Gerais

An operation by the State Secretariat of Justice and Public Security (Sejusp) of Minas Gerais, in conjunction with the Penitentiary Department of Minas Gerais (Depen-MG), found more than 100 points of synthetic K drugs inside Minas Gerais prisons.

Named “Operation K9”, in reference to one of the types of K drugs, the action began last Tuesday (7), at the Inspector José Martinho Drumond Prison, in Ribeirão das Neves, Greater BH region.

This Thursday (8), another stage was launched, this time at the Antônio Dutra Ladeira Prison, also in Ribeirão das Neves.

The Secretary of State for Justice and Public Security, Rogério Greco, participated in the beginning of the operation and declared that he will spare no effort to prevent any and all illicit items from entering or remaining inside prison units. Last weekend, a visitor was caught trying to enter the unit with more than a thousand k4 units.

In addition to drug K, she was also carrying a wrapper containing a white substance similar to cocaine, as well as another wrapper containing marijuana and a cell phone. The illicit acts were caught during an X-ray inspection.

14 prisoners dead and 21 thousand stitches seized

In the prisons inspected, 14 inmates recently died due to suspected drug overdoses from the K family, such as K9.

The latest survey by the Minas Gerais Penitentiary Department (Depen-MG) showed that more than 21 thousand points of K drugs have already been seized from January last year to March this year, with 9,224 points seized throughout the state in 2024 alone.

What are K Drugs?

Cannabinoids, popularly known as drugs K2, K4, K9, synthetic marijuana, “selva”, “cloud9”, “spice”, “espace” or “super marijuana”, can produce many psychoactive and toxic effects by binding to receptors. cannabinoids in humans.

These substances are produced in clandestine laboratories and do not undergo any quality control. Its effects affect the body in a much more intense and harmful way than naturally produced marijuana.

According to research, it is not yet possible to know the long-term effects of K drugs on the human body.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies K drugs as new Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and, according to the World Drug Report 2022, a total of 57 countries reported NPS seizures in 2020.

The number shows an increase of almost 50% in seizures from the previous decade, with 20.3% of these seizures being synthetic cannabinoids.

What are the effects of K drugs on health?

• Tachycardia (increased heart rate);
• High blood pressure;
• Unconsciousness;
• Tremors;
• Seizures;
• Vomiting;
• Hallucinations;
• Agitation;
• Pallor;
• Numbness;
• Tingling
• Anxiety and panic attacks;

Furthermore, the consumption of K drugs can result in:

• Acute myocardial infarction
• Seizures;
• Leakage;
• With the;
• Overdose;
• And even death from heart attack or organ failure

*(Under the supervision of Felipe Andrade)