Rio Police Capture Goiás Trafficking Boss as Sweep Nets Leaders From Five States

Overview

• Authorities in Rio detained suspected trafficking leaders from Goiás, Piauí, Mato Grosso, Bahia and Alagoas in coordinated operations this week.
• Cássio “Cascão” was captured in Morro dos Prazeres and is identified as a Comando Vermelho-aligned chief in Trindade accused of running an interstate “delivery” drug scheme and taking part in a 2018 explosive prison escape.
• Diego “Cangaço,” described as a Bahia leader tied to Bonde do Maluco, was arrested in São Gonçalo under three homicide warrants after adopting his wife’s surname to evade detection.
• Police also arrested “Gordinho,” accused in 19 homicides in Piauí and linked to Bonde dos 40, and the Campo Alegre trafficking boss from Alagoas in Duque de Caxias under two preventive warrants for attempted qualified homicide.
• Mato Grosso suspect Rafael Amorim de Brito was taken into custody, with investigators alleging his role in the killing of military police officer Odenil Alves Pedroso.