Brazil police combat arms trafficking in Rio de Janeiro

Civilian and federal police officers are serving four arrest and five search and seizure warrants today (Oct 13) against suspected gun traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Among the targets is a couple of businessmen living in Rio for five years and leading a luxurious life, according to the police.

Investigations began in February 2022 after the police found evidence that the couple had been responsible for a shipment of rifles and pistols intercepted by the Federal Highway Police (PRF) in the municipality of Mangaratiba, in the south of Rio state.

Another couple who were transporting the material was arrested on the occasion. After detention, information has been exchanged between the PRF’s Intelligence Sector and the Police Department for Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (Desarme), and investigations were opened.

After months of work, the police have identified the group’s suspected leader in Rio that coordinated the purchase of arms and ammunition in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, to be sent to the state of Rio. The names of those involved in the crime have not yet been released.