An operation against drug trafficking in Rio de Janeiro favelas resulted in the arrest of at least eleven individuals on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the Portuguese civil police.
Local news channel G1 stated that the raid resulted in shooting, and that stray bullets wound a bus driver and a passenger in two different buses that were travelling on Rio’s main avenues. Residents were seen crouching near a motorway in footage obtained from social media platforms.
The criminal organisation known as Pure Third Command was the focus of the operation that took place in the Israel Complex, which is a conglomerate of numerous favelas in Rio’s northern zone. According to the police, this operation is part of a series of activities that attempt to undermine the group.
According to the police, the most recent operation was the culmination of a seven-month investigation that resulted in the identification of forty-four individuals involved in the distribution of illegal drugs.
A total of three rifles were taken into custody by the police in addition to the arrests.
According to the authorities, the gang exercises its authority by imposing curfews, intimidating locals, expelling rivals, attacking security officials, and imposing its rule.
