Opposition criticizes Lula’s statement about drug dealers: ‘Soon, PCC will become an NGO’

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) faced criticism from the opposition after stating during an official event in Indonesia on Friday (24) that ‘drug dealers are also victims of users’. At the event, Lula mentioned that drug traffickers often come from poor backgrounds and end up in the illegal trade due to lack of opportunities. This statement sparked controversy as opposition leaders accused Lula of downplaying the severity of drug trafficking. The remark ‘Soon, PCC will become an NGO’ referring to the criminal organization Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) was particularly criticized for seemingly trivializing a serious issue. The opposition voiced concerns over Lula’s comments, emphasizing the importance of holding drug traffickers accountable for their criminal actions.