(MENAFN) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has revealed he proposed joint action with US President Donald Trump to apprehend leaders of Brazilian criminal syndicates operating on American soil, with Miami identified as a primary hub.

During an appearance on private broadcasting, Lula detailed his recent telephone exchange with Trump, disclosing that he put forward a framework for collaboration aimed at capturing and incarcerating Brazilian organized crime figures based in Miami.

Lula said he told Trump they should start detaining Brazilians living in the US who are involved in criminal activities.

The South American head of state stressed that regional nations must synchronize their strategies against gang leadership and trafficking networks engaged in weapons and narcotics smuggling operations.

Addressing US military actions across the Caribbean targeting drug cartels—operations that have resulted in no fewer than 83 fatalities since September—Lula said he emphasized to Trump that they do not need weapons but intelligence and smart tactics to combat trafficking.

Trump reportedly emphasized his willingness to work with Brazil and promised full support for joint initiatives targeting criminal organizations in the Tuesday call.

The 40-minute discussion also covered commercial negotiations between the two nations, including Washington's 40% additional tariffs on certain Brazilian products.

Brazil described the conversation as "very productive," with Lula praising the US decision to remove the additional tariff as "very positive."

This diplomatic engagement signals a notable de-escalation after a trade standoff. Trump had previously levied the supplementary tariffs, citing not only trade practices he deemed unfair but also the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, his political ally, who was recently sentenced to over 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula.

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