Brazilian police launch Operation Baba Yaga against drug gang in Campos de Júlio

On July 9, 2024, the Mato Grosso Civil Police carried out Operation Baba Yaga, executing 33 judicial warrants in the municipalities of Campos de Júlio, Comodoro and Cuiabá. The operation targeted a criminal faction controlling the local drug trade, aiming to dismantle its command hierarchy, financial sector, logistics, and distribution networks.

Seven suspects were arrested in flagrante delicto for drug trafficking, and multiple drug caches were seized. Investigators uncovered a sophisticated internal structure, including encrypted instant‑message groups named after local businesses, strict disciplinary rules, regular financial contributions, and recruitment of adolescents. Evidence also pointed to planning of homicides, corpse concealment, torture, and execution orders by the faction’s leaders.

The police obtained court authorisations for itinerant searches, phone‑data interception, and seizure of electronic devices, enabling a detailed mapping of the gang’s operations and real‑time monitoring of police activity.