São João de Meriti Councilor Arrested Over Alleged Support for TCP Barricades

Overview

• The Civil Police detained Ernane Aleixo during Operação Muro de Favores, which targets political support networks linked to the Terceiro Comando Puro.
• Investigators say he offered logistical material, equipment and guidance to help build barricades that hinder police and public services in the Baixada Fluminense.
• Roughly R$50,000 in cash was seized at his home during Tuesday’s searches.
• The action aligns with the state’s Barricada Zero initiative to remove criminal obstacles and disrupt enablers across the metropolitan region.
• The case follows the Nov. 14 arrest of councilor Marcos Henrique Matos de Aquino after police found an unregistered firearm and controlled medicines in a chamber car, while the city council emphasizes due process and Aleixo’s defense seeks to revoke preventive detention.