44 Spools of "Chilean Line" Seized at Kite Festival in São Pedro da Aldeia
Authorities seized 44 spools of "Chilean line," a dangerous kite string, on Sunday, July 12, during a festival in São Pedro da Aldeia, Rio de Janeiro state. The operation followed a tip to the "Linha Verde" (Green Line) program, reporting the material was being sold at a kite-flying event in Arruda Park. Environmental police, acting on the tip, entered the park and confiscated the spools. The incident was reported to the 125th Police Precinct. "Chilean line" is made with ground quartz and is known for its cutting power, posing a significant risk to motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The "Linha Verde" program launched a campaign on July 2 titled "Danger in the Air, No Chilean Line" to warn about the dangers of this material, especially during school holidays when kite flying increases. Between July 2 and July 10, the program received 470 reports concerning the production, sale, and use of both "Chilean line" and "cerol" (another type of hazardous kite string) across various municipalities in the state. "Linha Verde" operates a tip line at 021 2253-1177, including an anonymous WhatsApp option.
The seizure highlights a persistent public safety challenge associated with hazardous kite-flying materials, particularly during periods of increased recreational activity. The "Linha Verde" program's proactive campaign and tip-driven enforcement demonstrate a responsive approach to mitigating risks. However, the scale of reported incidents suggests a systemic issue requiring sustained regulatory attention and public awareness efforts. The inherent properties of "Chilean line" and "cerol" create a direct conflict between recreational pursuits and the safety of public spaces, particularly for vulnerable road users. Future strategies may need to consider broader educational initiatives and potentially more stringent controls on the distribution of such materials to prevent accidents in an increasingly shared environment.
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