Bahia Police Operation Tentaculum Dismantles Drug and Money‑Laundering Gang

On 17 June 2026 police forces in Brazil’s Bahia state launched Operation Tentaculum, an integrated raid targeting a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, illegal arms trade and large‑scale money laundering in the Baixo Sul region. Twenty‑four judicial mandates were executed in the municipalities of Gandu, Itabuna, Vera Cruz and Jequié, leading to eleven arrests and thirteen search-and‑seizure actions.

Authorities seized cash worth about R$ 40,000, a luxury vehicle, several motorcycles, mobile phones, jewelry and other accessories, as well as illicit drugs (approximately 2.3 kg of marijuana, 118 g of cocaine and 846 g of crack). Firearms recovered included two pistols, a .32 calibre revolver, a .380 calibre pistol and 57 rounds of ammunition. In addition, assets worth R$ 16.5 million were frozen.

During the operation a 35‑year‑old suspect, Luiz Diogo dos Santos, resisted police and was shot; he later died in hospital. The raid was coordinated by the Gandu Territorial Police Delegacy together with the 5th Regional Police Coordination, the DIRPIN Sul, the Integrated Crime‑Fighting Force (FICCO) in Ilhéus and units of the Bahia Military Police.