Operation in Bahia arrests 16 over trafficking and murders; gang moved R$ 698 million
Bahia Civil Police arrested 16 people in an operation against an organisation suspected of drug trafficking and murders in Ilhéus. The group is believed to have moved R$ 698 million over four years.
PC-BA launches operation against criminal organisation in Ilhéus that moved R$ 698 million
The Bahia Civil Police (PC-BA) arrested 16 people in an operation carried out on Tuesday (22) against a group suspected of drug trafficking and murders, according to g1.globo.com. In total, 18 temporary arrest warrants were executed.
Of the warrants, 16 were executed in the state of Bahia, one in Sergipe and another in Espírito Santo. Six of the targets were already in custody; the rest were captured during the operation. In addition to the warrant targets, four other people were detained in flagrante delicto — in Ilhéus and in São Paulo.
During the operation, police seized weapons, ammunition, vehicles, mobile phones and more than R$ 8,000 in cash.
Four "Towers" commanded the organisation
According to the Civil Police, the criminal organisation was headed by four leaders identified internally as "Towers", each exercising influence over different areas of Ilhéus. The investigations indicate that the four maintained constant communication to make joint decisions about the group's activities.
Among the actions investigated are the sale of drugs, the acquisition of weapons and the commission of murders. The organisation is believed to have moved R$ 698 million over the past four years.
Military police officers and lawyer among those investigated
Among those investigated are two military police officers and a lawyer, all from Ilhéus. The three are suspected of collaborating with the criminal group, providing information and logistical support to the organisation's activities.
The court also ordered the blocking of assets and funds belonging to 31 individuals and 11 companies. The asset freeze measures could reach up to R$ 300 million.
The operation was coordinated by PC-BA with support from Military Police units and teams from different regions of the state.
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo