Brasília, November 22, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazil and Bolivia have signed an agreement for a crackdown on border crimes, especially narcotraffic, illegal weapons and ammunition, stolen vehicles and prostitution involving minors. Bolivia will also join a data base shared by Mercosur members and associate member-states.

The agreement is part of the Ministry of Justice's Border Project which has been operational since 2001. By the end of this year a total of R$62 million (US$17.6 million) will have been invested in the project. For next year, R$30 million (US$8.5 million) is earmarked for the project. (AB)