A total of 138 weapons have been robbed or stolen from Army quarters in Brazil, between 2000 and 2006, according to a study released by the Social Communications Center of the Army. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, alone, 24 weapons have been stolen in this period.
The Army says that 137 weapons were recovered between 2000 and 2006. Part of them had been robbed before 2000.
In an official note, the Army explained that it strictly controls all material under its responsibility, through frequently updated registrations and daily verifications, which is mandatory. In addition, access to deposits is restricted and when a problem appears, a "rigorous" investigation is performed.
The Army adds it keeps statistical control of stolen weapons and ammunition, and that the percentage of robbery solution and weapon recovery is "expressive".
On March 3rd, a group of armed man invaded the Army Central Transport Unit (ECT), and took ten rifles and a pistol. After 11 days of searches in the slums of Rio, the weapons were found.
ABr