# Police operation in Complexo da Maré

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/police-operation-in-complexo-da-mar
> Updated: 2026-09-28T21:02:17.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 2.

A major police operation in Rio de Janeiro’s Complexo da Maré, targeting the ‘Terceiro Comando Puro’ (TCP) criminal faction, resulted in significant violence and community disruption. Approximately 200 officers, including specialized units like BOPE, utilized armored vehicles and aerial support to combat drug trafficking and illegal arms circulation.

The operation led to at least three deaths, several injuries to suspects, one police officer, and two adolescents. Authorities seized 12 rifles, eight pistols, grenades, ammunition, and 83kg of drugs. 

The security situation caused widespread local disruption, including the suspension of operations at 41 schools and several health units. During the confrontation, armed criminals used two school buses as barricades to block the Linha Vermelha highway in an attempt to divert police attention. These buses were transporting approximately 120 students from Escola Eleva on an excursion to Vassouras; while the students were not physically harmed, the incident caused significant distress and intermittent traffic closures for about an hour. Investigations suggest the interception may have been ordered by drug trafficker Álvaro Malaquias Santa Rosa, known as ‘Peixão’, who is linked to the TCP faction.

Additionally, actor Marcos Henrique Jr. reported that his residence was struck by gunfire during the clashes.

## Claims

- Approximately 120 students from Escola Eleva were not physically harmed during the incident. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Criminals used school buses as barricades on the Linha Vermelha highway as retaliation for a police operation in Complexo da Maré. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The police operation in Complexo da Maré involved approximately 200 officers and specialized units including BOPE. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The intercepted buses were transporting students from Escola Eleva on an excursion to Vassouras. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- Police seized 12 rifles, 8 pistols, grenades, and 83kg of drugs during the Maré operation. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The police operation in Complexo da Maré resulted in three deaths and eight injuries, including one child. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The Linha Vermelha highway experienced intermittent closures or total blockages for approximately one hour. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Civil Police are investigating if drug trafficker Álvaro Malaquias Santa Rosa, known as Peixão, ordered the interception of the school buses. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Complexo da Maré police operation hits actor's home

Actor Marcos Henrique Jr. reported his home was hit by gunfire during a large-scale police operation in Rio de Janeiro's Complexo da Maré, which left three suspects dead and resulted in significant drug and gun

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/complexo-da-mar-police-operation-hits-actors-home

### 2026-09-28: Complexo da Maré police operation leaves three dead and triggers bus barricades

A Rio de Janeiro police operation in Complexo da Maré left three dead and several injured. In retaliation, criminals used school buses as barricades on the Linha Vermelha highway, blocking traffic for an hour.

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/complexo-da-mar-police-operation-leaves-one-dead-and-multiple-wounded

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Cite as: Police operation in Complexo da Maré. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/police-operation-in-complexo-da-mar