Theft of medicines during road transport in Brazil rose 50% over the past 12 months, according to a study by consultancy Overhaul commissioned by Abradimex.
The study shows the share of these products in total cargo stolen on highways rose from 2.2% to 3.3%. Forty percent of cases occurred on five main roads: Fernão Dias, Rodovia dos Bandeirantes, BR-277, BR-116 and Anhanguera.
In the last three months, two thefts involved high values. In April, a truck carrying medicines estimated at R$ 6 million was assaulted. Last week, another vehicle loaded with oncology drugs worth R$ 4.6 million was taken in the interior of São Paulo.
Abradimex asked the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for greater use of intelligence, action against receivers of stolen goods and cooperation between authorities and private companies. Medicines require temperature-controlled transport, and losses affect hospital supplies.