Politics · Brazil · 2 hrs ago
Rio police operation targets alleged drug and weapons network linked to officers
Rio de Janeiro police launched an operation against an alleged drug and weapons network on Tuesday.
The investigation focuses on suspected links between the network, military police officers and the Comando Vermelho, a criminal group.
Three people have been arrested so far.
Investigators say the network acquired, transported and distributed drugs and weapons, with different members handling separate tasks.
Police say some officers shared privileged information and took part in illegal weapons dealings.
The investigation began in October 2023, after police arrested an active-duty officer and another man while they transported more than 100 kilograms of cocaine.
One of the officers named as a key suspect was killed in July 2026; his killing is being investigated separately.
The operation is ongoing, and police have not announced further arrests.
Rio de Janeiro Civil Police launched an operation targeting an alleged drug and weapons network suspected of involving military police officers and the Comando Vermelho gang.
Three people had been arrested at the time of the report.
Investigators said the network acquired, transported and distributed large quantities of drugs and weapons for the gang.
The investigation began in October 2023, after two men were arrested while transporting more than 100 kilograms of cocaine.
- Who
- Rio de Janeiro Civil Police is conducting the operation. The investigation concerns alleged network members, including military police officers and people linked to Comando Vermelho.
- What
- An operation is targeting an alleged drug and weapons trafficking network. Three people had been arrested at the time of the report.
- When
- The operation took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Why
- Investigators allege that the network acquired, transported and distributed drugs and weapons for Comando Vermelho.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The investigation began after police arrested Yuri Luiz Desiderati Ribeiro and Marcos Leandro de Oliveira Serra while they transported more than 100 kilograms of cocaine.
Yuri Luiz Desiderati Ribeiro was shot dead in the Pechincha neighborhood of Jacarepaguá.
Rio de Janeiro Civil Police carried out the operation; three people had been arrested at the time of the report.
- Arrests
- 3 people arrested as of the report
- Investigation began
- October 2023
- Cocaine seized in initial case
- More than 100 kilograms
- Gang named in investigation
- Comando Vermelho
- Yuri Luiz Ribeiro killed
- July 12, 2026, in Pechincha, Jacarepaguá
Sources
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