AP PHOTOS: Sao Paulo police clear the Crackland area as residents scatter and denounce abuse
A drug addict smokes crack cocaine in a downtown area popularly known as “Crackland” in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
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.
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Drug addicts gather to smoke crack cocaine in a downtown area popularly known as “Crackland” in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Drug addicts gather to smoke crack cocaine in a downtown area popularly known as “Crackland” in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A city health worker interviews a drug user in a downtown area popularly known as “Crackland” in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A city health worker interviews a drug user in a downtown area popularly known as “Crackland” in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Police officers check the documents of people in a downtown area popularly known as “Crackland” in Sao Paulo, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Police officers check the documents of people in a downtown area popularly known as “Crackland” in Sao Paulo, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.