Brasília, 1/28/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - After the arrests of 52 people between January 17 and 19, another 5 were arrested this weekend by Federal Highway Patrol agents, all charged with sexual exploitation of minors. Six minors were sent to Juvenile Court (Conselhos Tutelares), and another 50 youths, suspected of being less than 18 years of age, are being questioned.

That is the result of a crackdown on sexual exploitation of children which minister of Justice Márcio Thomaz Bastos, says is a government priority. The crackdown comes on the eve of Carnival and the government says it will not permit sexual tourism during that event. (AB)