Four Rio Buses Seized as Barricades in Gardênia Azul, Suspect Arrested

On July 27, armed men seized four municipal buses in the Gardênia Azul neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro's West Zone and drove them into the streets as makeshift barricades. The action was a retaliation against the Military Police's "Operation Barricada Zero," during which police arrested a suspected drug‑trade manager known as "Bacurau," identified as Philip do Nascimento Firmino, 33. Officers recovered an AR‑10 rifle and ammunition with the suspect. The seized buses blocked major avenues, affecting 19 bus lines initially; after the vehicles were removed, nine lines continued to experience route changes. The incident also involved the burning of trash cans used as additional obstacles, further disrupting traffic and public transport in the area.