Brazil dismantles large deforestation gang

SAO PAULO (AP) — The “largest deforestation gang” active in Brazil’s Amazon rain forest has been dismantled, authorities said Thursday.

The federal prosecutor’s office in the jungle state of Para said eight suspected members were taken into custody on Wednesday and could be charged with invading public lands, environmental crimes, forgery, criminal association and money laundering. They face more than 50 years in jail, although Brazilian law stipulates that no one can serve more than 30 years.