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Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Welcome to Crackland – the stinking junkie town where crowds of zombified addicts light up as brutal clampdown launched
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BRUTAL police crackdown is underway in Brazil's notorious Crackland - the sprawling district dubbed the world's largest open-air drug den. Crowds of crack cocaine users, once a constant presence in the area, have vanished almost overnight following an aggressive push by São Paulo authorities to shut the zone down for good. 7 A drug addict smokes crack cocaine in a downtown area popularly known as 'Crackland' in Sao Paulo Credit: AP 7 Police officers check the documents of residents and passers by in Crackland Credit: AP 7 A clampdown by Sao Paulo's military police in 2017 Credit: Getty 7 Military policemen frisk drug addicts in Crackland in 2012 Credit: AFP In total, more than 500 officers took part in a major late-May raid targeting the drug-infested zone officially known as Cracolândia. Led by Governor Tarcisio de Freitas and Mayor Ricardo Nunes, the latest operation has seen military police step up stop-and-search patrols, close down hostels used by users, raid dumpsters where dealers gather, and begin tearing down a nearby shantytown believed to be sheltering drug suppliers. Residents say the change has been immediate — and striking. 'I walked around for 10 minutes finding no trace of them,' bar owner Marcelo Colaicovo told AP after passing through the area on a recent May afternoon. 'Even the stench was gone.' Zombified streets For years, Crackland has been a symbol of Brazil's drug crisis. A grim city-within-a-city, its addict residents openly smoke crack in broad daylight, sometimes just metres away from college campuses and the city's main train station. By day, the streets were lined with men and women wrapped in filthy blankets. Some were as young as 13. Others were former professionals who fell into addiction. Inside 'Crackland' - a festering drug den plagued by murders and zombie addicts as model influencers peddle coke and meth 7 Many scavenged through bins for recyclables, trying to make a few coins to buy their next rock. Police long patrolled the edges of the zone, not to stop the drug use, but to try and contain the violence and robbery it often sparked. Addicts and traffickers moved freely between broken shacks, makeshift camps and budget hostels used as crack houses. A single hit could cost as little as a few cents, making crack dangerously accessible. Photos from the latest crackdown reveal a changed - but still unsettling - picture. In one image, an addict hunches over a crack pipe, flames flickering in the afternoon light. 7 Crackland has been a symbol of Brazil's drug crisis for years on end Credit: AP 7 The South American country has the highest number of crack cocaine users in the world Credit: Reuters Many residents scavenge for recyclables to scrape together enough cash for their next hit In another, a homeless man lies sprawled across a pavement, unmobing. Uniformed officers stand watch nearby, frisking users and checking ID documents. Health workers in fluorescent vests approach addicts with clipboards, trying to offer help and an escape from the drug hell. Municipal crews in gloves and masks dismantle shanty homes at Princesa Isabel square, long seen as the epicentre of the crisis. The current clampdown also includes targeting the supply chain - a new tactic that sees police dismantling makeshift camps believed to house drug dealers just outside the main Crackland zone. Cycle of failure But critics warn the operation could follow the same failed pattern as previous efforts: a short-lived clean-up, followed by a slow return of users. In 2017, then-Mayor João Doria sent in 900 police officers with tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to break up Crackland. He declared it over — only for the "fluxo", the local term for the mass of addicts and dealers, to re-form a few blocks away within months. Each government has made it their mission to improve the area Cops have repeatedly tried to dismantle the drug den Felipa Drumont, a trans woman who has lived on the streets of Crackland, told The Guardian at the time: 'The police turned up throwing bombs at everyone. You don't eat. You don't sleep. Any money you can get goes on crack.' Francisco Inácio Bastos, a leading drug expert who conducted Brazil's national crack survey, said: 'What we see is a change of project every administration, without any continuation. 'It's all political. Without long-term planning, [Cracolândia] will continue as it is.' A national emergency Brazil has the highest number of crack cocaine users in the world — an estimated 370,000 in major cities. São Paulo's location at the heart of the country's economy, and close to cocaine-producing neighbours Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, has made it a key trafficking hub for decades. Crackland reflects the deep ties between poverty, inequality and addiction in Brazil. The state has tried social programmes, like 2014's 'Open Arms' initiative — backed by Prince Harry during a visit — which offered shelter and cash for small jobs in exchange for treatment. A man openly takes drugs in the notorious area 'Crackland' sits next to Luz, the city's busiest train station But the scheme was scrapped after criticism and lack of funding. Since then, 'mini-Cracklands' have emerged on the city's outskirts, with users scattering across multiple zones after each police operation — rather than disappearing. Still in the spotlight Crackland is not hidden. It sits in one of São Paulo's busiest districts, just blocks from concert halls, shopping centres, and the offices of South America's biggest newspaper. Office workers and college students rush past addicts lighting up in the street. The contrast has made the area a constant source of embarrassment for city officials — and a visible sign of failed drug policy. Despite the visible clean-up, few believe this latest effort will succeed where others failed. Without major investment in long-term treatment, housing, and employment programmes, experts warn the crackdown will only scatter the problem — not solve it. For now, São Paulo's most infamous junkie town lies quiet. But history suggests it won't stay that way for long.
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Welcome to Crackland – the stinking junkie town where crowds of zombified addicts light up as brutal clampdown launched
A BRUTAL police crackdown is underway in Brazil's notorious Crackland - the sprawling district dubbed the world's largest open-air drug den. Crowds of crack cocaine users, once a constant presence in the area, have vanished almost overnight following an aggressive push by São Paulo authorities to shut the zone down for good. Advertisement 7 A drug addict smokes crack cocaine in a downtown area popularly known as 'Crackland' in Sao Paulo Credit: AP 7 Police officers check the documents of residents and passers by in Crackland Credit: AP 7 A clampdown by Sao Paulo's military police in 2017 Credit: Getty 7 Military policemen frisk drug addicts in Crackland in 2012 Credit: AFP In total, more than 500 officers took part in a major late-May raid targeting the Led by Governor Tarcisio de Freitas and Mayor Ricardo Nunes, the latest operation has seen military police step up stop-and-search patrols, close down hostels used by users, raid dumpsters where dealers gather, and begin tearing down a nearby shantytown believed to be sheltering drug suppliers. Residents say the change has been immediate — and striking. 'I walked around for 10 minutes finding no trace of them,' bar owner Marcelo Colaicovo told AP after passing through the area on a recent May afternoon. Advertisement 'Even the stench was gone.' Zombified streets For years, Crackland has been a symbol of Brazil's drug crisis. A grim city-within-a-city, its addict residents openly smoke crack in broad daylight, sometimes just metres away from college campuses and the city's main train station. By day, the streets were lined with men and women wrapped in filthy blankets. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive Exclusive Some were as young as 13. Others were former professionals who fell into addiction. Inside 'Crackland' - a festering drug den plagued by murders and zombie addicts as model influencers peddle coke and meth 7 Many scavenged through bins for recyclables, trying to make a few coins to buy their next rock. Police long patrolled the edges of the zone, not to stop the drug use, but to try and contain the violence and robbery it often sparked. Advertisement Addicts and traffickers moved freely between broken shacks, makeshift camps and budget hostels used as crack houses. A single hit could cost as little as a few cents, making crack dangerously accessible. Photos from the latest crackdown reveal a changed - but still unsettling - picture. In one image, an addict hunches over a crack pipe, flames flickering in the afternoon light. Advertisement 7 Crackland has been a symbol of Brazil's drug crisis for years on end Credit: AP 7 The South American country has the highest number of crack cocaine users in the world Credit: Reuters Many residents scavenge for recyclables to scrape together enough cash for their next hit In another, a homeless man lies sprawled across a pavement, unmobing. Advertisement Uniformed officers stand watch nearby, frisking users and checking ID documents. Health workers in fluorescent vests approach addicts with clipboards, trying to offer help and an escape from the drug hell. Municipal crews in gloves and masks dismantle shanty homes at Princesa Isabel square, long seen as the epicentre of the crisis. The current clampdown also includes targeting the supply chain - a new tactic that sees police dismantling makeshift camps believed to house drug dealers just outside the main Crackland zone. Advertisement Cycle of failure But critics warn the operation could follow the same failed pattern as previous efforts: a short-lived clean-up, followed by a slow return of users. In 2017, then-Mayor João Doria sent in 900 police officers with tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to break up Crackland. He declared it over — only for the "fluxo", the local term for the mass of addicts and dealers, to re-form a few blocks away within months. Each government has made it their mission to improve the area Advertisement Cops have repeatedly tried to dismantle the drug den Felipa Drumont, a trans woman who has lived on the streets of Crackland, told Francisco Inácio Bastos, a leading drug expert who conducted Brazil's national crack survey, said: 'What we see is a change of project every administration, without any continuation. 'It's all political. Without long-term planning, [Cracolândia] will continue as it is.' Advertisement A national emergency Brazil has the highest number of crack cocaine users in the world — an estimated 370,000 in major cities. São Paulo's location at the heart of the country's economy, and close to cocaine-producing neighbours Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, has made it a key trafficking hub for decades. Crackland reflects the deep ties between poverty, inequality and addiction in Brazil. The state has tried social programmes, like 2014's 'Open Arms' initiative — backed by Advertisement A man openly takes drugs in the notorious area 'Crackland' sits next to Luz, the city's busiest train station But the scheme was scrapped after criticism and lack of funding. Since then, 'mini-Cracklands' have emerged on the city's outskirts, with users scattering across multiple zones after each police operation — rather than disappearing. Advertisement Still in the spotlight Crackland is not hidden. It sits in one of São Paulo's busiest districts, just blocks from concert halls, shopping centres, and the offices of South America's biggest newspaper. Office workers and college students rush past addicts lighting up in the street. The contrast has made the area a constant source of embarrassment for city officials — and a visible sign of failed drug policy. Despite the visible clean-up, few believe this latest effort will succeed where others failed. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Without major investment in long-term treatment, housing, and employment programmes, experts warn the crackdown will only scatter the problem — not solve it. For now, São Paulo's most infamous junkie town lies quiet. But history suggests it won't stay that way for long.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Welcome to Crackland – the stinking junkie town where crowds of zombified addicts light up as brutal clampdown launched
A BRUTAL police crackdown is underway in Brazil's notorious Crackland - the sprawling district dubbed the world's largest open-air drug den. Crowds of crack cocaine users, once a constant presence in the area, have vanished almost overnight following an aggressive push by São Paulo authorities to shut the zone down for good. 7 7 7 In total, more than 500 officers took part in a major late-May raid targeting the drug-infested zone officially known as Cracolândia. Led by Governor Tarcisio de Freitas and Mayor Ricardo Nunes, the latest operation has seen military police step up stop-and-search patrols, close down hostels used by users, raid dumpsters where dealers gather, and begin tearing down a nearby shantytown believed to be sheltering drug suppliers. Residents say the change has been immediate — and striking. 'I walked around for 10 minutes finding no trace of them,' bar owner Marcelo Colaicovo told AP after passing through the area on a recent May afternoon. 'Even the stench was gone.' Zombified streets For years, Crackland has been a symbol of Brazil's drug crisis. A grim city-within-a-city, its addict residents openly smoke crack in broad daylight, sometimes just metres away from college campuses and the city's main train station. By day, the streets were lined with men and women wrapped in filthy blankets. Some were as young as 13. Others were former professionals who fell into addiction. Inside 'Crackland' - a festering drug den plagued by murders and zombie addicts as model influencers peddle coke and meth 7 Many scavenged through bins for recyclables, trying to make a few coins to buy their next rock. Police long patrolled the edges of the zone, not to stop the drug use, but to try and contain the violence and robbery it often sparked. Addicts and traffickers moved freely between broken shacks, makeshift camps and budget hostels used as crack houses. A single hit could cost as little as a few cents, making crack dangerously accessible. Photos from the latest crackdown reveal a changed - but still unsettling - picture. In one image, an addict hunches over a crack pipe, flames flickering in the afternoon light. 7 7 In another, a homeless man lies sprawled across a pavement, unmobing. Uniformed officers stand watch nearby, frisking users and checking ID documents. Health workers in fluorescent vests approach addicts with clipboards, trying to offer help and an escape from the drug hell. Municipal crews in gloves and masks dismantle shanty homes at Princesa Isabel square, long seen as the epicentre of the crisis. The current clampdown also includes targeting the supply chain - a new tactic that sees police dismantling makeshift camps believed to house drug dealers just outside the main Crackland zone. Cycle of failure But critics warn the operation could follow the same failed pattern as previous efforts: a short-lived clean-up, followed by a slow return of users. In 2017, then-Mayor João Doria sent in 900 police officers with tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to break up Crackland. He declared it over — only for the "fluxo", the local term for the mass of addicts and dealers, to re-form a few blocks away within months. Felipa Drumont, a trans woman who has lived on the streets of Crackland, told The Guardian at the time: 'The police turned up throwing bombs at everyone. You don't eat. You don't sleep. Any money you can get goes on crack.' Francisco Inácio Bastos, a leading drug expert who conducted Brazil's national crack survey, said: 'What we see is a change of project every administration, without any continuation. 'It's all political. Without long-term planning, [Cracolândia] will continue as it is.' A national emergency Brazil has the highest number of crack cocaine users in the world — an estimated 370,000 in major cities. São Paulo's location at the heart of the country's economy, and close to cocaine-producing neighbours Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, has made it a key trafficking hub for decades. Crackland reflects the deep ties between poverty, inequality and addiction in Brazil. The state has tried social programmes, like 2014's 'Open Arms' initiative — backed by Prince Harry during a visit — which offered shelter and cash for small jobs in exchange for treatment. But the scheme was scrapped after criticism and lack of funding. Since then, 'mini-Cracklands' have emerged on the city's outskirts, with users scattering across multiple zones after each police operation — rather than disappearing. Still in the spotlight Crackland is not hidden. It sits in one of São Paulo's busiest districts, just blocks from concert halls, shopping centres, and the offices of South America's biggest newspaper. Office workers and college students rush past addicts lighting up in the street. The contrast has made the area a constant source of embarrassment for city officials — and a visible sign of failed drug policy. Despite the visible clean-up, few believe this latest effort will succeed where others failed. Without major investment in long-term treatment, housing, and employment programmes, experts warn the crackdown will only scatter the problem — not solve it. For now, São Paulo's most infamous junkie town lies quiet. But history suggests it won't stay that way for long.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
AP PHOTOS: Sao Paulo police clear the Crackland area as residents scatter and denounce abuse
SAO PAULO (AP) — Sao Paulo authorities are trying a full-on approach to end the infamous Crackland area, which experts say could lead to the same results of previous initiatives; an initial success followed by a gradual return of drug users. The police forces under Gov. Tarcisio de Freitas and Mayor Ricardo Nunes have boosted searches of bags and purses, closed small pensions where drug users took their shots and raided dumpsters where traffickers gathered. A new part of the initiative includes the dismantling of a neighboring shanty town where police say Crackland suppliers work. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Associated Press
AP PHOTOS: Sao Paulo police clear the Crackland area as residents scatter and denounce abuse
SAO PAULO (AP) — Sao Paulo authorities are trying a full-on approach to end the infamous Crackland area, which experts say could lead to the same results of previous initiatives; an initial success followed by a gradual return of drug users. The police forces under Gov. Tarcisio de Freitas and Mayor Ricardo Nunes have boosted searches of bags and purses, closed small pensions where drug users took their shots and raided dumpsters where traffickers gathered. A new part of the initiative includes the dismantling of a neighboring shanty town where police say Crackland suppliers work. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
