FICCO/MG arrests international drug trafficking leader in Uberlândia

The Integrated Force to Combat Organized Crime in Minas Gerais (FICCO/MG) arrested a leader of an international drug trafficking organization in Uberlândia on Sunday. The arrest is a direct development of ‘Operation Fake Rice’, which was launched on May 27.

Investigations revealed the criminal group had operated for at least eight years, importing, transporting, and distributing large quantities of narcotics, primarily marijuana from Paraguay and Colombia. The operation follows the seizure of nine major shipments totaling approximately 27 tons of marijuana and the discovery of a plantation containing roughly 2,000 marijuana plants.

During the recent enforcement action, authorities seized drugs, money, vehicles, a vacuum sealing machine, and luxury sneakers valued at over R$ 100,000. The judicial orders associated with Operation Fake Rice include 37 temporary arrest warrants and 39 search and seizure warrants across nine cities in Minas Gerais, Amazonas, Paraná, Pernambuco, and Rio de Janeiro. The court has also ordered the seizure of assets and values up to R$ 120 million.

FICCO/MG is coordinated by the Federal Police and integrates the Military, Civil, and Penal Police of Minas Gerais, alongside the National Secretariat of Penal Policies (SENAPPEN).