# Organized crime investigations in Rio Grande do Norte > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-investigations-in-rio-grande-do-norte > Updated: 2026-10-05T16:00:40.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. In Rio Grande do Norte, law enforcement has engaged in investigations and operations targeting organized crime and illicit trade. Initially, authorities investigated the kidnapping and murder of 29-year-old businessman Marcelo Silva de Oliveira. Investigators linked the crime to a dispute over the trade of weight loss medications, specifically the active ingredient tirzepatide. Two suspects were reportedly captured while attempting to flee to Paraguay. Subsequently, the Civil Police launched ‘Operação Delphinus’ to dismantle a criminal group involved in drug trafficking, criminal financing, and social dominance in the Alto Oeste region. The operation involved multiple warrants across Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará, and São Paulo. Investigations identified a distribution network for narcotics, some of which entered Brazil via the port of Icapuí. The operation was named after a dolphin figure pressed into drug tablets used as a brand by the organization. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: Rio Grande do Norte police launch operation against drug trafficking ring Rio Grande do Norte police launched Operação Delphinus, targeting a criminal group trafficking Colombian drugs through Ceará to the Alto Oeste region. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eight-inmates-escape-from-moacir-prado-penal-unit-in-acre ### 2026-09-18: Rio Grande do Norte police investigate businessman's murder over weight loss drug dispute Rio Grande do Norte police are investigating the murder of businessman Marcelo Silva de Oliveira, citing a dispute over weight loss medication trade as the primary motive. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-grande-do-norte-police-investigate-businessmans-murder-over-weight-loss-drug-dispute --- Cite as: Organized crime investigations in Rio Grande do Norte. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-investigations-in-rio-grande-do-norte