Off-Duty Police Among 6 Held in Record Amazonas Gold Seizure Worth R$45 Million

Overview

• Rocam units responding to a 190 tip about a possible hostage situation found four people bound in a home in Parque Dez and uncovered 77 gold bars totaling about 72.5–72.6 kg.
• The seizure is the largest ever recorded in Amazonas, with authorities valuing the gold at roughly R$45 million.
• Two Military Police cabos and a Civil Police investigator were arrested off duty on suspicion of extortion and contraband alongside three other suspects.
• Items seized included five firearms, 132 rounds of ammunition, ballistic vests, eight phones, cash, an armored vehicle and a car with a hidden compartment allegedly prepared to move the gold.
• State and federal authorities opened criminal and disciplinary inquiries, and officials say they will probe whether other public servants were involved; one detained PM had a prior 2024 arrest for illegal firearm possession.